Polished Pumpkins business goes under new ownership

Polished Pumpkins held their grand re-opening on March 25 with new owners Kayla and Elizabeth-Ann Switzer. 

The two sisters-in-law are long-time customers of the company and didn’t want to see it close after coming across that the business was up for sale.

During Christmas break last year, they came across the post and quickly made arrangements to meet with the previous owner, once it was approved they would be taking it on. They left their workplaces and got to work transforming it into their own.

“We are bringing in lines we have loved and lines others have previously loved, changing locations and making it our own little vibe,” said Kayla Switzer. 

Elizabeth-Ann was a high school teacher at Bonnyville Centralized High School and Kayla worked at the hospital in recreational therapy. 

The two small business owners now are in the final stages of building their website which will feature items you won’t see in-store. 

They also bring in other small businesses’ products to promote just how important it is to shop local. 

“Your only option for clothing is from a big box store, and in the area we live in we know people like nice things and that’s why it would’ve been a sin to see this store close,” said Kayla Switzer. 

“And when you buy from a small town store or boutique,” EA Switzer added on. “You’re not only getting better quality because we are taking the time to find durable things that we can pass from our children to children.

“We bring in things from other businesses in the area that are just doing the same thing as us and following their dreams.”

Polished Pumpkins carry sizes from preemie up to size 14 and are in the works of expanding to more sizes. 

The Switzers are focusing the newly refreshed business on children’s wear and items such as toys, stuffed animals and matching parent and child outfits. 

They are also the only store in the Lakeland area that can legally sell jelly cats — the brand of soft and huggable plush toys that are a very recent trend in children and teens. 

“Polished Pumpkins has been known to be quite an expensive store and we want to have not levels but bring in affordable things,” said Kayla Switzer. 

“We want to be able to provide for everyone,” EA Switzer added. 

The two are in the works of bringing in not only expensive brands but affordable ones. 

“We will always have a sale or promotion, we are going online and will be accessible. We will gladly help you find what you’re looking for,” said Kayla Switzer. 

Since the sisters announced they would be taking on this new chapter they have received an immense amount of support throughout the community. 

“We are just so appreciative of the support we have received from our careers, friends, family and the community. And the City of Cold Lake for welcoming us in and showing up to our grand opening,” said both Switzers. 

Polished Pumpkins is in motion and open at their new location at 5110 – 51 Ave, Cold Lake AB.