Business Notes: Devonshire Vape & Cigars opens in Beverly Corners

A new shop that has something for everyone who likes to smoke has opened in Beverly Corners.

Devonshire Vape & Cigars opened its doors in the last week of August, and tobacconist and owner Anoop Dhami said business has been good and getting better, which is what he expected at the new location.

Devonshire Vape & Cigars is Dhami’s third smoke shop, with the others in Langford and Victoria.

He said the shop specializes in cigars, with hand-rolled ones from Cuba, Nicaragua, the Dominican Republic and other cigar-making places around the globe, stored in a huge custom-made floor to ceiling humidifier.

Devonshire also has a large inventory of pipe tobacco, mass-marketed cigars and cigarettes, vaping supplies, smoking accessories like lighters, cigar cutters, pipe cleaners, as well as paraphernalia used for cannabis consumption.

Dhami said no other smoke shop in the Cowichan Valley has such a large inventory and he saw a niche here that he could fill.

“We have a lot of our customers in our Langford location coming from Lake Cowichan, Mill Bay, Shawnigan Lake and other communities around here, so we saw an opportunity to open a store closer to them,” he said.

“There are a lot of older folks around here who have been in the mining and logging industries who come to us a lot, as well as many from the younger generations. There is a lot of demand here and business has been amazing so far.”

 ••••

The Downtown Duncan BIA is putting out an early call for its Christmas Kick-Off 2024.

The business organization is asking for volunteers to sign up early to help out with the festive kick-off event, which will be held from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Nov. 22.

The DDBIA is looking for enthusiastic volunteers to help with various tasks, from setting up decorations to assisting with various activities, setting up and taking down decorations and other things, greeting attendees, guiding vendors, and more.

“Be part of an exciting community event while helping to spread holiday cheer and gaining volunteer hours,” the DDBIA said. “This is a great opportunity to get involved in your community and be part of one of Duncan's most festive events.”

If you’re interested in volunteering, contact the DDBIA at 250-715-1700, or email ddbia@downtownduncan.ca.

••••

Bring your lunch and ask questions to the experts at the Duncan Cowichan Chamber of Commerce’s next “Ask the Expert” event on Oct. 16 at noon at the Cowichan Regional Visitor Centre.

Spencer Schmidt, from Stonebridge Law, is back to continue his deep dive into estate and business law, making sense of the important ways you can protect both your personal and business assets.

“You'll find tons of practical advice on things like shareholder agreements, life insurance, trusts, wills, and more,” the chamber said. “It’s a great opportunity to ask those burning questions and get expert tips, especially if you're a business owner looking to cover all your bases. Come by, learn a lot, and make sure you're set up for success.”

The event is free for chamber members and their guests.

Register online, call 250-748-1111 or email chamber@duncancc.bc.ca.

••••

The chamber of commerce’s Construction Trades Pizza & Beer Mixer is back on Oct. 22, and it’s the perfect way to unwind after a long day on the job.

This mixer is for all the builders, plumbers, electricians, HVAC experts, painters, landscapers, and every hardworking tradesperson out there.

It’s not just about networking, it’s about hanging out with people who really understand the ins and outs of the construction world.

“Come grab a slice, crack open a cold one, and connect with the region’s finest tradespeople,” the chamber said. “Talk shop, share stories, or just have a good laugh. We’ve got amazing prizes too, including accommodations at Days Inn Victoria and a keg party pack from Red Arrow.”

You don’t have to be a chamber member to attend, but you do need to be in the trades.

The free event will be held at 5 p.m. at Red Arrow Brewing, 5255 Caster Rd.

The pizza and participants' first drink is on the chamber.
 
••••

A total of 23 businesses and organizations in Duncan and Ladysmith are the recipients of Diversity & Inclusion Awards from the local WorkBC Centre in 2024.

WorkBC, a provincial organization, connects job seekers and employers and helps people find jobs, explore career options and improve their skills, and helps employers find the right talent and grow their businesses.

The Diversity & Inclusion Awards recognize community leadership from local businesses and organizations for their inclusive hiring practices.

They include Just Desserts, Island Auto Spa, Island GM, Winners, Cowichan Green Community, Walmart, Thermoproof, Dancia Motors, By the Bay Lavender, Cowichan Hospital Foundation, Prolux Windows and Doors, Gideon Plumbing, Mettra Pharmacy, Lucky Dog Daycare, Ravenstone Construction, Real Canadian Superstore, Cobble Hill’s Country Grocer, Mid-Island Co-op Liquor, Ironwork Cafe & Creperie, B.C. Infrastructure Benefits, Neufeld Furniture, Footprints Security, and Just For Kids After School Care.