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About us
Our history
Dating back to 1873, our historic Wellington Street building has been part of downtown Stratford for over 150 years, housing a variety of businesses throughout its history. In 1949, it became home to Stan Blowes Book & Gift Shop, beginning a business tradition that has served the Stratford community for over 75 years.
The building has witnessed many chapters of Stratford's history, including playing a part in the early days of the Stratford Festival as its original local ticket box office in 1953. Today, it continues to evolve while preserving its historic charm, bringing together shopping, business services and welcoming accommodations under one roof.
Our family
The Blowes story began with Stan Blowes in 1949 and has continued through generations of family ownership. From Stan to his son Bob, and then to his grandson Brian, each generation has helped shape the business while carrying forward the values of hard work, community and personal service.
Today, Brian and his wife Rebecca are proud to see their daughter Julia become the fourth generation involved in the family business. It's a wonderful continuation of a legacy built on family, community and a shared love for serving Stratford.
Our future
We're excited for what the future holds and the opportunities that lie ahead! With the recent addition of The Blowes Inn, we're proud to be expanding our presence in downtown Stratford while continuing to build on the legacy that started over 75 years ago. As our businesses continue to grow and evolve, we look forward to new opportunities, welcoming new faces and finding even more ways to serve our wonderful community. We can't wait to see what the next chapter brings!
More to Explore
Blowes Office Pro
Proudly Canadian-owned and operated. We also offer a range of office supplies, furniture and art supplies, along with free same-day local delivery. Ask us about our corporate accounts for convenient ordering, competitive pricing and personalized service to meet your business needs.
The Blowes Inn
Newly renovated in November 2025, check out our inn located right above our retail store. Charming heritage meets modern finishes, right in the heart of Stratford. Book now to secure your suite today!