If you live in Canada you have likely heard of Abbott

….a company founded, in all places, in the summer of 1949 at Toronto’s CNE (Canadian National Exhibition) or more commonly referred to as the Ex. In the 18 days leading up to and including Canadian Labour Day Monday, approximately 1.3 million visitors check out the 7th largest fair in North America annually.

Started in 1879 largely to promote agriculture and technology in Canada, agriculturists, engineers, and scientists exhibited their discoveries and inventions at the CNE to showcase the work and talent of the nation. Ben Abbott of Lancashire England was one of them in 1949, and wowing crowds with his innovative kitchen gadgets, so much so that Queen Elizabeth was beyond impressed and MacLeans had him on the cover shortly thereafter!

He sold out of his stock in one day, thanks to his knowledgeable attitude and English accent.  Together with his wife Doris they decided to set up shop in Canada!  Abbott began to travel to trade shows all over Canada and the U.S.

selling British imports, like intricate the metal trays and tableware shown below

By the early 60s the Abbotts branded out from solely British imports and began offering customers fashionable plastic plants and flowers.  They also started producing plaster statuary and urns, with a plaster factory located right on-site in Toronto.

By the early 70s Abbott was doing a brisk business and Ben convinced son David Abbott to get on board. 

…and thankfully so after Ben Abbott’s unexpected passing shortly thereafter.  When David and his brother took over Abbott went to the markets of the Far East as British factories were proving unable to compete with the growing Asian import market.

Like any company the brothers navigated a few more strategy pivots in the years to come; the demise of the artificial flower and statuary business was replaced with a surge in ceramics from Italy and imports from Japan into the 80s, furthermore adding product from China and India by the 90s.  Today Abbott offers over 4000 unique products from garden decor, to Turkish glass, to elegant Polish glassware and even small pieces of furniture all made overseas, and more over many produced solely for Abbott.

David and buyer Jennifer Boake travel the world in search of new products and recently Lee’s son Freddy has joined the buying duo in always keeping their eyes peeled for giftware on or ahead of the trend thats of good value with wide appeal.

Recently crossing their 65th milestone, the family tradition is still very much alive and while David still runs the show, Lee is VP and Jody Abbott, the General Manager (left to right), the 50+ person company enjoys a fun and close-knit office culture: your considered one of the family even if you’re not actually blood!

Located on Trethewey since 2001, they recently opened a new Atlanta, GA showroom that’s equally filled with no shortage on amazing product.

We’re continually impressed with the line up coming from this manufacturer, love the fact they keep good inventory and are one of the few family run Canadian furniture stories.  If we had to pick just 5 products we’re in love from Abbott right now they would be as follows (click the images for more details/to purchase)

#5 Candles

Abbott is a go-to for the essentials.  All sorts of sizes and they are the official distributor of Real-lite (the battery operated candles with a faux flame that you can turn on and off).  Ask a Stylist for help finding the size you are after

#4 Mugs

We live and die by coffee each day in Abbott mugs.  The best part being that they constantly launch new designs so we never tire of them. Sold in sets of 6 they are so durable, pretty and perfectly sized (might we suggest grab the coordinating small and extra tall sizes!)  Ask a Stylist for help finding the ones you want.

#3 Indestructible, Functional and Bloody Perfect!

For those of you heading outdoors to docks and decks, with kids or clumsy houseguests you don’t want to miss Abbott’s acrylic selection.  We tripped over what we call the perfect “Ceasar” glass which doubles as a great option for juice, water or anything else!  Available in two shades and in sets of 6 they usually run $48 but are on sale for $30 USD.  Order through a Stylist here.

#2 Tea Time

These amazing chintz cups will be available in June.  Seeing that we’re avid tea drinkers now we can’t wait to get our hands on a few sets of these.  Sold in sets of 4.  Ask a Stylist for more details.

#1  The Perfect Hostess Gift

Appropriately priced, goes with every possible style of decor and does double duty in both the pretty and functional departments!  Step your gift giving game up and stock up on this PERFECT hostess gift!

To see the entire Abbott line up click here.