Michael Shaikin, owner of Ottawa-based The Modern Shop, wants to bring a fresh take on modern design to Canada. As the former owner of a vintage resell shop, Michael certainly has the retail chops for this venture. And with an eye for great designs from Europe and the US, he has style covered, too.

Name/Title: Michael Shaikin/Owner

Open date: 2010 - We used to own a shop called Founddesign (2002 - 2010), featuring vintage modern design, but decided to get into new furniture/lighting when we realized vintage design was getting much to hard to find

Inspiration for opening: Inspiration for opening store was to bring affordable, quality modern design to the Canadian marketplace (online) and the Ottawa marketplace (brick and mortar). There's a serious lack or good modern shops in Ottawa and most of Canada. Most cater to the same old brands. We wanted to bring brands to the city/country which were never available before. 

Merchandise source: We carry over 60 brands from all over the world. Most are European or Made in USA products sourced directly from manufacturers. Our biggest selling brands are Modernica, Hay, Normann Copenhagen, Georg Jensen, Jonathan Adler.

Best selling item: 1. Plumen Lightbulbs 2. Nelson bubble lamps by Modernica 3. Anything Jonathan Adler

Your favorite item: My personal favourite is the Heracleum 2 LED light by Moooi

Your favorite store (other than your own): Bobby Berk Home in NYC, Miami and Atlanta

(Images: The Modern Shop)

Store History

• Founded: 2010
• Founded by: Michael Shaikin
• Headquarters: Ottawa

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