About Us
Proudly Indigenous. Proudly Canadian. Woman-Led.
Heirloom Linens is a second-generation, family-owned business rooted in community, quality, and care. Led by Indigenous Canadian woman Kristen Stannix, our store continues a legacy built by her parents, Joan and Bob Ianson, who opened Heirloom Linens in 1995 in beautiful Victoria, BC.
For nearly three decades, our brick-and-mortar store in Broadmead Village Shopping Centre has been a trusted destination for premium bedding and home textiles. We’ve been proudly serving customers in-store since 1995 and online since 1999 and remain dedicated to offering thoughtful service, exceptional products, and a personal touch that big-box retailers simply can’t match.
Our Story
Founders Joan and Bob Ianson brought their passion and retail expertise to life when they opened Heirloom Linens. Bob’s journey began in the 1970s at Woodward’s Department Stores, where he worked his way from stock boy to bedding buyer for stores across BC and Alberta. After a successful role with Pacific Linen in Seattle, Bob and Joan returned to Victoria and launched their dream—Heirloom Linens.
Although Joan originally intended to focus on the financial side of the business, her love for the products and customers soon drew her onto the sales floor. Even in retirement, she still lends a hand during busy seasons and remains an important part of the Heirloom Linens story. Bob, a respected voice in Canadian retail, was inducted into the Retail Hall of Fame in 2012 and served on the Board of Directors for the Retail Council of Canada.
In 2009, their daughter Kristen officially joined the business, managing purchasing and inventory. Over the years, she expanded her role to include accounting, website management, and event planning. In June 2023, Kristen proudly purchased the business from her parents, continuing the Heirloom Linens legacy as a woman-led, Indigenous-owned Canadian business.
Giving Back
Community has always been at the heart of Heirloom Linens. In 2015, to mark our 20th anniversary, we launched the 12 Months of Giving initiative. Each month, we feature a local charity and a selected product, donating 50% of that product’s net profits to the chosen cause. Thanks to the support of our incredible customers, we’ve given back over $169,490—and we’re just getting started.