Over the past year, our retail program has evolved to bring the refreshed Kelowna brand to life through a more aligned and intentional approach. Guided by the brand's updated visual language and storytelling, our organization has introduced new merchandise to extend Kelowna’s story beyond the visit. This evolution has included a transition from the anchor Love for Kelowna retail brand to OK+CO, which includes expanded offerings aligned with the long-term vision for a vibrant, year-round destination.
 

Ashleigh Green Cards from KVC
Greeting cards designed by local artist, Ashleigh Green. Image credit: By Kirsten Taylor


Showcasing All Things Local

At its core, the retail program continues to champion local artists, makers, and small businesses. Vendors have been thoughtfully selected to reflect Tourism Kelowna’s commitment to sustainability and inclusion, ensuring product offerings feel both authentic and representative of the community.

The retail mix, which includes locally sourced food products, woman-owned wellness brands, and souvenirs such as greeting cards, stickers, and magnets designed by local artists, highlights the immense talent and creativity in the region. We're proud to support diverse makers, celebrate craftsmanship, and prioritize environmentally responsible practices through our retail program partnerships.

KVC Retail Program - SONDR products
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KVC Retail Program - S&M Soap Co. Products
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KVC Retail Program - Ollie & Co. Products
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(1) SONDR Deodorant, (2) S&M Soap Co. Soy Candles. , (3) Ollie & Co. Candy | Credit for all images: By Kirsten Taylor

Enhancing Visitor Engagement & Strengthening the Local Economy

At the same time, the retail program enhances engagement at the Kelowna Visitor Centre by offering meaningful items that extend the Okanagan experience for visitors and allow residents to show off their hometown pride. Each purchase becomes a connection point between visitors and locals, deepening a sense of place through curated pieces that serve as reminders of the destination. 

Through our consignment program, wholesale partnerships, and vendor collaborations, Tourism Kelowna generates revenue and visibility for makers and small businesses, contributing to a more resilient local economy. This approach supports the organization's broader goal of strengthening Kelowna’s identity as a four-season destination and fostering sustainable economic growth.

Supporting Meetings, Conferences, and Major Events

Over the past couple of years, our Community & Visitor Engagement and Business Development teams have expanded their collaborative efforts to offer curated merchandise for meetings, conferences, and major events.

Showcasing locally rooted products as delegate gifts, in welcome packages, and as part of VIP experiences enhances the guest experience while reinforcing Kelowna’s reputation as a generous and welcoming host city.

For meeting and event planners, this aspect of the retail program provides flexible, sustainable gifting solutions that reflect the destination’s values and create more memorable, meaningful touchpoints throughout an event.

Retail Setup at ATB Event
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SITE Canada Exchange Vendor Set Up
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SITE Canada Exchange Retail Items
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(1) Pop-up shop at 2024 business event, (2) Showcasing vendors at 2025 business event, (3) Tourism Kelowna merchandise on display at 2025 business event

“It’s incredibly meaningful to collaborate with local makers whose work reflects the spirit of the Okanagan Valley. As our brand evolves, we’re excited to grow the retail program in a way that amplifies those voices and brings the destination to life.”
— Kassidy Cote, Retail Coordinator, Tourism Kelowna

Embedding Sustainability in Every Detail

Sustainability is woven into every layer of the retail program, from operations to product sourcing. In-store practices prioritize reduced waste and responsible materials, including metal tags in place of plastic, wooden hangers, paper bags, and 100%-recycled poly mailers, alongside a receipt-on-request approach. Since 2022, we have also partnered with Veritree to plant trees for purchases made through the retail program. In 2025, just over 6,500 trees were planted, bringing the total to more than 35,000 since the beginning of the partnership. 

Product selections further reflect our organization's commitment to sustainability, as the program features items made from recycled or low-impact materials, such as PET and bamboo water bottles, wheat straw accessories, and repurposed goods crafted from construction materials or reclaimed media. Vendors are also chosen for their responsible practices, including reducing food waste, using locally grown ingredients, creating plastic-neutral products, and supporting environmental restoration efforts


What's Ahead

Looking forward, the program will continue to evolve with seasonal product drops—new spring merchandise is arriving and will be available for purchase in the coming weeks—expanded collaborations with local artists through apparel design, and refreshed offerings for families and younger visitors. Upcoming collections will spotlight recognizable local places and experiences, further strengthening the connection between product and place.

If you have any questions about Tourism Kelowna's retail program, connect with Retail Coordinator, Kassidy Cote.