For Those Who Know..
It’s Not Collecting Things..
It’s Gathering Memories!
From its’ inception in 1907 Mouat’s Trading Company has been a family business where you could find almost everything under one roof. It began as G.J. Mouat’s & Company and supplied the whole of Salt Spring Island with needed goods such as agricultural feed, building supplies and even cars .. Model T Fords!
Our unique gift shop Old Salty is in the Mouat’s Trading Company family. As part of its’ growing specialization Mouat’s employee Dorothy Brown developed the Salty Shop in 1975 as a separate “variety store” within the main hardware building. The Salty Shop moved over to the Harbour Building about fifteen years later.
The Salty Shop became OLD SALTY STORE under the direction of Mary Lou Bompas who was with the Company for 39 years and retired in 2018. Over the years Old Salty Store became a destination shopping experience with a unique character and a fun Salt Spring Island flavour.
In keeping with the Mouat’s Trading Company tradition, Old Salty Store is still very much a family business. While valueing our shared traditions we find new products to present in an inspiring environment that is ‘hip and historic’. Serving the Islander and Visitor year round we employ many local families.
Exploring the Old Salty Store you’ll discover a range of beautiful gifts including: handmade fine jewelry, wallets, bags and accessories, decor pieces, clothing items, functional gifts with art of coastal First Peoples, salmon edibles, artisanal chocolate, organic tea, cards and books, bath products for body care and family goods for infant to elder.
Whether local, regional or from around the world we hope you find things you’ve been looking for all your life . . including the perfect gift for every occasion.
