Red Deer Downtown Business Association
Downtown Business Spotlight: Country Cupboard

This week we shine our business spotlight on Country Cupboard, a quaint, very cozy gift shop with a rustic, country store charm. Located at 5022 Gaetz Ave in the heart of Downtown Red Deer, this business has enjoyed a long life in the downtown core. It continues to thrive due to its wide variety of unique items and the caring, knowledgeable staff, promising a ‘relaxing’ shopping experience. We sat down with Michelle Edwards of Country Cupboard to hear a little bit more about this distinctive Red Deer shop.
What is your business?
We are Country Cupboard, a gift shop, home decor and accessories such as jewelry. We are a little bit of everything.
When did your business open?
The business originally opened in 1985 and my parents bought it in 2009. We just celebrated our 10th anniversary in November.
What makes your business unique?
The fact that there isn’t really anything else like it in Red Deer. We have a lot of space and it allows us to carry a lot of unique products. We are also located in a historic building, right in the heart of Downtown
What are some products/services that you offer?
We carry home furnishings, home decor, candles, home fragrances, bath & body products, a large Christmas selection, pottery, kitchen accessories, too much to mention! We strive to bring in Canadian made, quality products that are not available in most stores.
Why did you choose Downtown Red Deer as the location for your business?
My parents believed in the uniqueness of downtown and loved to shop in the area.
What do you think makes Downtown vibrant?
With all the other businesses around us, you get a sense of community here. Personally, I love the historical brick buildings.
I love Downtown Red Deer because… The sense of community here, the community is the main reason we have been hanging on so long and our customers make it awesome.
If you are looking for rare, one of a kind gifts, or something unique for your home, you are bound to find it at County Cupboard! The staff are always working hard to create beautiful and creative displays to inspire shoppers all year round! Give yourself lots of browsing time, you never know what treasures you might find!
Checkout Country Cupboard’s website for more! https://countrycupboard.ca/Home
Follow Country Cupboard on Facebook, Instagram & Twitter for all the latest news!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CountryCupboardGiftShop/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/countrycupboardgift/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/CouCupRedDeer
City of Red Deer
Council boosting budget for Downtown Business Association

Council approves 2024 DBA budget, increased investment in events
“The DBA remains steadfast in its objective to build on the growth seen in 2023. The collaboration between The City of Red and the DBA is at all time high and with the pending actions set to be delivered through the Downtown Activation Playbook, I know there are many great things to come that will support our business community and create the thriving downtown we all want to experience,” said Amanda Gould, DBA Executive Director.
“Today Council demonstrated their commitment to their strategic priorities with the support shown to the DBA through unanimous support of the 2024 budget. This mighty Association continues to do great work on a shoestring budget and the 2024 Board of Directors are keen to lend their expertise and entrepreneurial skills to benefit the downtown in its entirety.”
Brandon Bouchard, DBA Board Chair
The DBA’s budget is partially funded through the BIA tax levy, which is collected by The City of Red Deer. Each year, the DBA presents its proposed budget to Council for their consideration. When reviewing the budget, Council considers alignment between the DBA’s downtown priorities and City’s community priorities.
“DBA has constantly hit far above its weight in our downtown, I can’t think of a more supportive messenger of promotion than the team at the DBA, it’s so encouraging to see this strong support for our downtown,” said Mayor Ken Johnston. “I’m encouraged by the leadership and direction of the DBA and look forward to what they have in store for 2024. They continually bring positive initiatives to the downtown even with the constraint on finances.”
The DBA’s total approved budget for 2024 is $775,160, with $277,725 funded through the BIA with the remaining amount funded through items such as grants and contracts. The BIA portion for 2024 is an increase of five per cent from 2023.
The Downtown Business Association has been operating in Red Deer for more than 30 years, serving approximately 350 business owners in the Downtown area. Through partnerships and leadership in advocacy and promotion, the DBA is the catalyst for a vibrant and prosperous downtown that is the place to live, work, play and do business.
Red Deer
What’s Happening Downtown: Holiday Edition!

|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
![]() |
|
-
COVID-195 hours ago
Former Australian state premier accused of lying about justification for COVID lockdowns
-
Business3 hours ago
Ottawa’s Plastics Registry A Waste Of Time And Money
-
Addictions4 hours ago
Four new studies show link between heavy cannabis use, serious health risks
-
COVID-197 hours ago
Canada’s health department warns COVID vaccine injury payouts to exceed $75 million budget
-
COVID-196 hours ago
Study finds Pfizer COVID vaccine poses 37% greater mortality risk than Moderna
-
Business2 days ago
Top Canadian bank ditches UN-backed ‘net zero’ climate goals it helped create
-
2025 Federal Election1 day ago
Mark Carney vows to ‘deepen’ Canada’s ties with the world, usher in ‘new economy’
-
Health1 day ago
RFK Jr. orders placebo safety trials for all new vaccines in major policy decision