Bob Ianson

Owner of Heirloom Linens

“We only sound expensive!”

How Bob got into retail:

I joined Woodward’s Department Stores in 1975, in the Linens and Domestics department. I moved between several stores and positions and finally realized my goal of Buyer for the Bedding in the Bargain Store, based in downtown Vancouver. Spent a few years doing that and then Woodward’s had a change of direction and fashions became their focus. I “switched” careers and bought Men’s Wear for a time and became an overseas buyer. I spent time in various Asian countries buying and during the peak, made three trips annually overseas. It was fun while it lasted but I was moved back to the department store itself and became the Bedding Buyer. Thoroughly enjoyed myself for a few years but I was becoming less enchanted with the department store way of life.

Woodward’s went into bankruptcy protection and that was it for me. I had a business plan for Heirloom Linens already completed but Pacific Linens out of Washington State, asked me to join them, so my family moved to the Seattle area. After two years with Pacific Linens, they too declared, first bankruptcy protection and then bankruptcy. It was at that point that I realized, I had worked for two companies that went broke and it was time for a change.

I had been playing around with my Heirloom Linens plans now for a few years and it was time get it off the ground. We moved back to Victoria and my wife Joan and I opened our Victoria store in 1995. We expanded that store and opened a second location in 2009. If anyone says a second store is NOT twice the work…they are wrong! It’s more than twice the work!!

What’s the best thing about retail?

Instant decisions with no committees and a sense of accomplishment at your own success.

What does Shelfspace, mean to Bob?

The one thing I miss about my past careers is the ability to bounce ideas and comment off other like-minded people. As independents, we are somewhat “insulted” and I miss the camaraderie of other retailers.

What’s one thing Bob would like you to know about him?

I welcome their thoughts and comments on business in general and retail specifically. I can be a good sounding board for their ideas…. I too, remember what was like starting out.