Take a trip to Speciality Lane
by Michelle Minnoch

With the Christmas season rolling around and thoughts of what to give the ones we love this holiday season, residents of Innisfil have the perfect shop for any season in their own backyard. Specialty Lane, located in the Crossroads Plaza, has something for everyone, including yourself, at great prices with great customer service.

"We have a lot of really great customers and we know most of them by name," said owner Andrea Coffin.

Taking over the store in April of this year, Specialty Lane has something for everyone - and the small town charm of this store is a welcome during these days of the informality of the big box stores.

The store carries an array of items including hand crafted items, jewelry, candles, baby items, winter wear (scarves, mittens and great looking hats), quilts, pictures, frames, cards, and so much more. Coffin said she tries to bring in unique items that are affordable to the community. A supporter

of the artisans in Innisfil, some of the featured items found in Specialty Lane are from those who participated on the Innisfil Studio Tour. There is also honey for sale, and during the holiday season, biscotti and shortbread is on sale at the store.

Brenda Lavin, Andrea Coffin and Laurie Rodgers are the familiar faces of Specialty Lane. photo by Michelle Minnoch

With Christmas just around the corner, there are many great stocking stuffer items that can be found in the store, for a great price.

"There are a lot of great and different items that people can pick up, very eclectic items," she said.

Another feature of Specialty Lane is that it is a Sears Catalogue merchant. Those who love to order from Sears, (and who doesn't), can now pick up their items at Specialty Lane. During the Christmas season, Sears is delivering orders to Specialty Lane four times a week, as Coffin wants to ensure her customers get their items in on time before the big day.

"Customers can place their orders from Sears themselves at home with the 1-800 number," she said. Within a few days, providing Sears has the merchandise in stock they can pick up their merchandise at the store. There are catalogues available for pick up at the store as well, free of charge.

Another feature of Specialty Lane is that it is a Cotty's dry-cleaning depot. Coffin says most items are available to pick up by the customer the day after it is dropped off.

Coffin said the store has really gone a long way since opening and it is thanks to their great customers. Nominated for the Customer Service of the Year Award by their customers for the South Simcoe Business Awards, Coffin says she loves doing business with the people in the Town of Innisfil.

Specialty Lane is open Tuesday's and Wednesday's from 10am to 6pm, Thursday's from 10am until 8pm, and Friday's and Saturday's from 10am until 5pm. The store is closed on Sunday's and Monday's.