Putting A New Spin on an Old Favourite, The Bee’s Knees Opens in the Wake of Fincher’s Closing

Erin Greer, Cynthia Barnett, Heather Blackman and Holly Clune.

When word that Fincher’s was soon closing its doors hit the streets of Goderich last year, a ripple of nostalgia and grief moved through the community.

With no potential buyers in view, the idea of a community staple such as Fincher’s that had served Goderich for nearly seven decades closing, left a gap in the heart of the community.

That was until Heather and Mark McCutcheon, and Holly and Steve Clun stepped up, purchased the store and recently opened The Bee’s Knees Books & Emporium.

“We looked into purchasing the store because we simply didn’t want to see it close,” admitted Heather.

“We couldn’t imagine losing such a gem.”

Named from the popular 1920s expression meaning the best, The Bee’s Knees aims to be just that for the community of Goderich.

Both Heather and Holly were looking for a change, and after some long chats with Tom and Dawn Fincher, they felt confident it would work.

“We are thrilled at the opportunity to build a space that is comfortable and welcoming to everyone,” stated Heather.

As owners to an old staple with a new name, they are hopeful and very much already feel that the community wanted the store to stay. Feedback from the community has already shed light on how thrilled people are that their go-to place for certain items will remain.

“We know these are big shoes to fill but we have the Finchers’ support and mentorship for the next few months to get us set on the right path,” Heather explained.

“The business had so many facets that we fully expect there to be surprises, in spite of Tom’s thorough teaching.”

Heather added that they are thrilled to take stewardship of the amazing space on the Goderich Square and hope to do it justice.

While Heather is sure there will always be comparisons to what Fincher’s was, she remains hopeful that people who wanted it to remain a business in town would be happy.

Some of Fincher’s long-time employees have even decided to join in on this adventure and are helping make the transition so much easier, explained Heather.

Bringing their own spin to the store, there have been some minor rearrangements, and there are plans for bigger floor plan changes ahead.

“We have lots of short term and long-term plans for the store, so you can expect it to be evolving for the next little while,” said Holly.

“But every other person who comes in the door says, ‘we’re so glad you’re here’. It has been lovely.”

In terms of selection, The Bee’s Knees has kept almost everything, from toys, Lego, games and puzzles downstairs, to books, gifts and souvenirs upstairs.

Understanding the store has something for everyone, new owners would like to offer a store customers can wander through.

With plans to tweak the selection and bring in some new brands and items for customers, owners of The Bee’s Knees hope to expand books and games for local readers and gamers.

The Bee’s Knees has also added some ‘bookish’ merchandise such as T-shirts and socks, which have already been very well received.

“We are a very creative bunch and so we plan to create new souvenir merchandise regularly,” Holly remarked.

Once some minor readjustments, renovations and things have settled down from opening, The Bee’s Knees aims to host social events such as book clubs, game nights, puzzle competitions, craft nights and themed mixers – all to build community.

“We strongly hear the interest in such events,” added Holly.

“The space will need some minor renovations before we can do that comfortably, so stayed tuned to Facebook and Instagram.”

Currently, owners of The Bee’s Knees are building a website in the background of their busy store opening. They hope to offer online inventory check and purchase for seamless in-store pick-up.

Visit The Bee’s Knees Emporium on Facebook or Instagram for more up-to-date information.

Heather and Mark McCutcheon live in Goderich, after moving to this community three years ago. Heather was a nurse, working most recently in Alexandra Marine and General Hospital’s (AMGH) OR. Mark works from home as a university professor teaching English.

Steve and Holly Clune live in Aurora and have spent a lifetime of summers with family in Grand Bend.

Holly is a yoga instructor and runs classes and yoga retreats while Steve has worked in the wholesale clothing industry for over 25 years.