Pillow Talk

In 1995, Joan and Bob Ianson opened the doors to a small linen store in Broadmead Village Shopping Centre with a simple mission: offer exceptional bedding and home textiles with honest service and community connection. Thirty years later, Heirloom Linens remains a proudly Indigenous, woman-led, second-generation Canadian business—thriving thanks to the loyalty of our customers and the heart of our family values.

Here’s a look back at some of the memorable milestones that shaped who we are:

1995 – Heirloom Linens is Born

• Joan and Bob Ianson open Heirloom Linens in Victoria, BC.

1999 – We Go Online

• We launch our e-commerce site—serving customers in-store since 1995 and online since 1999!

2000 – "We Only Sound Expensive"

• Our now-iconic slogan debuts, reflecting our commitment to affordable luxury.

2002 – First TV Commercial

• Heirloom Linens airs its first television ad, reaching new audiences across the region.

2008 – Major Expansion

• Broadmead store expands by 50%
• Second location opens in Millstream Village
• Charity yard sales begin
• A fresh new logo debuts

2009 – Kristen Joins the Family Business

• Daughter Kristen Stannix officially joins the team, marking the next generation of leadership.

2011 – Focus Refines

• The Millstream Village location closes, and our focus sharpens on Broadmead and online service.

2012 – New Initiatives

• Launch of dorm bedding packages
• First Baby Fair participation
• Bob is inducted into the Retail Hall of Fame

2013 – Renovations & Community Support

• Broadmead Village Shopping Centre undergoes a major renovation, benefiting our store
• Heirloom Linens partners with Ocean 98.5 and Jack FM as a drop-off location to support a family who lost their home to a fire

2014 – First Black Friday Sale

• We join the retail tradition with our first-ever Black Friday event.

2015 – 20th Anniversary & 12 Months of Giving

• We celebrate 20 years by launching our 12 Months of Giving program. Over $169,490 has since been donated to local charities!

2016 – Festival of Trees & Victoria Hospice Yard Sale

• Heirloom Linens raises $20,150 in support of Victoria Hospice.

2018 – Local Recognition

• Nominated for National Philanthropy Day Corporate Responsibility Award
• Voted 1st place for Home Furnishings by Times Colonist readers

2019 – Digital Growth

• Launch of a new website in partnership with Radar Hill
• Heirloom Luxury Linens debuts
• We become Victoria's 1st Wish Local pick-up point and help outfit New Roads Therapeutic Community Center

2020 – Resilience During COVID

• Curbside pickup and virtual shopping added
• Voted Best Linen/Bedding Store in City
• Bob travels to Ireland to source premium wool products

2022 – Global Compassion, Local Action

• Support for Ukrainian refugees through Kiwanis Ukrainian Village
• Voted Best in City (again!)

2021 – Best in City

• Heirloom Linens is voted Best Linen/Bedding Store in the city.

2023 – Leadership Passes On

• Joan and Bob retire, officially passing ownership to Kristen Stannix.
• Voted Best in City
• Launch of flexible payment options with Sezzle

2024 – A New Era

• Voted Best in City
• Launch of exclusive Heirloom Linens product lines: silk pillowcases, grounding sheets, bonnets, and more!

Honouring Our Team

Heirloom Linens wouldn’t be what it is without the heart of our store—our amazing team. Several staff members have been with us for over a 1/2 a decade, and their warmth, knowledge, and care are felt by every customer who walks through our doors. We're proud to be more than just a workplace—this is a family.

Celebrating Our Customers

Some of our customers have been shopping with us since 1995—and many now return with the next generation in tow. Whether it’s your first time in our store or your 100th, we’re so grateful for your continued support and trust. You are truly the reason we’ve made it to 30 years.

Looking Ahead

As we step into the future, Heirloom Linens is excited to continue expanding our exclusive product lines, deepening our community connections, and finding new ways to make your home more comfortable, naturally and beautifully.

2025 – Celebrating 30 Years

This year marks three incredible decades of comfort, community, and connection. We thank you—our customers, staff, partners, and community—for helping us grow and stay grounded in the values that matter most.

Here’s to 30 years of Heirloom Linens… and to the future ahead.