Its been ten years since Daniel Poulin and Michael Bennett opened the first incarnation of Peking Lounge in Chinatown, and in that time, the dynamic duo has travelled far and wide to provide a unique shopping experience for their customers.
Unlike other retailers who purchase their goods in large quantities from gift shows, Poulin and Bennett source their distinctive products during regular trips to China. Their travels take them to an array of venues and locales, from dingy clubs to five-star hotels and restaurants. We keep our eyes open for interesting pieces and consider how theyve been put together, and then we find places to buy them, said Poulin, who fell in love with Chinese aesthetics during the two years he spent managing a spa in a Beijing hotel. Every single piece in the store is selected, one by one, by us.
Youll rarely see overly ornate or fussy furniture in Peking Lounge (which moved a few metres from its first location to its present site shortly after opening). Poulin and Bennetts curatorial taste tends towards clean, contemporary, straight linessuch as stainless steel, Chinese-style armoires and chairs, and all-white classic Ming-form vases. We select pieces that complement one another while focussing on the old and the new; every item has a story to tell, said Bennett.
In addition to their Pender Street store, the duo also owns a four-bedroom guesthouse on Bowen Island that is available for rental. Its fully decorated and shows people how they can mix the pieces, said Poulin. Up next for Peking Lounge: a web site update, a new neon sign for the stores façade, andin its earliest stagesa second, Peking Lounge with a twist retail project.
Much has changed for Poulin and Bennett since 2003, but one thing that hasnt is their love for the neighbourhood. We kind of lucked out because Chinatown was just starting to go through a revitalization [when we opened], said Bennett. Its been amazing to watch Chinatown grow.
Whats your favourite neighbourhood?
We are such big fans of Chinatown that we moved just a couple blocks west, in the Crosstown area. We have witnessed many positive changes in the last 10 years and we strongly feel that the Chinatown-Crosstown-Gastown area is the perfect balance of yin and yang: historic and modern architecture, ethnic and socio-economic diversity, new funky eateries, tried and true shops and services, and one-of-kind locally owned businesses.
Whats your favourite way to unwind?
Going for a long run in Stanley Park with our two high energy Jack Russell Terriers.
What are your favourite stores or restaurants?
On a cold day, there is nothing like hot won ton mein from Kam Gok Yuen just up the street from Peking Lounge. We also love to cook, so Chambars Dirty Apron Cooking School on Beatty Street is our favorite place to get a great meal even if we have to prepare it ourselves.
What I learned about business
How important customer service is. Customers appreciate the personal touch that only small businesses can offer. There is something to be said about clients and owners doing business face to face. We know our clients by name and they know us. We often personally deliver furniture into their homes and get a chance to get to know them better, share some stories, a few laughs and occasionally even a glass of wine. We are with them every step of the way; from design consultation to item selection, payment, delivery and post sale follow up.
Our quarterly Container parties are also a huge success gathering Peking Lounge clients together for an appreciation night with wine, food, a DJ and a room full of great people!
Reach us at
83 East Pender Street, Chinatown
Mon-Sat: 11 am - 6 pm, Sun. and Holidays: 11 am - 5 pm
phone: 604-844-1559
