BORDEN-CARLETON – One of Atlantic Canada’s largest gift and souvenir shops has been sold.
Jeannette Arsenault and Don Maxfield, owners of Shop & Play in Borden-Carleton, announced Thursday they have sold their business to John Campbell, a Nova Scotia businessman and owner of the renowned Sou’Wester Restaurant and Gift Shop in Peggy’s Cove, N.S.
Campbell assumes ownership of Shop & Play effective immediately.
Shop & Play, branded “the most fun gift shop in Canada” and home to the popular Spirit of Anne statue, was established in 1989 under the name Cavendish Figurines Ltd. by Arsenault and Maxfield.
The business began manufacturing heirloom quality figurines depicting P.E.I.’s most famous fictional character, Anne of Green Gables. After many years of garnering international exposure with their products, the business relocated to Borden-Carleton in 1998, and changed its business focus to gifts and souvenirs.
It continues to gain international attention and has received many accolades in their almost 30 years in business.
“We have thoroughly enjoyed our experience in both the retail and tourism industry,” said Arsenault. “The people that we have met and have supported our business, really is quite remarkable. Each day was a new opportunity and we prided ourselves in offering the best prices, the best selection and the best service on P.E.I.”
Maxfield added: “This is a special time for us. While we are both looking forward to starting the next chapter of our lives, we have committed to staying on for the next two seasons to help with the transition of ownership and operations.”
Campbell is no stranger in the retail business. Sou’Wester Restaurant and Gift Shop has become a tourism destination in the world famous Peggy’s Cove since 1967.
Campbell and his team welcome guests from across the globe to the 180 seat restaurant and an extensive gift shop with one of the largest selections of giftware in Atlantic Canada.
“I’m very happy to take over ownership of this well respected Island business,” said Campbell. “It is a great fit with my experience and I see tremendous opportunity for synergy and expansion between Shop & Play and Sou’Wester Restaurant and Gift Shop.”
The transaction was facilitated through Confederation M&A, an Atlantic Canadian-based mergers and acquisitions firm.
