Whistler BizBeat: Amos & Andes

Welcome to BizBeat, Pique’s newest web series profiling Whistler businesses and their employees who go above and beyond.

Each week, we will profile another resort employer and one of their staff, who have each agreed to answer the same questionnaire that has been sent to businesses and employees across the community.

This week it's Amos & Andes, Whistler's cozy sweater shop. Hear from owner Hilary J. Davison, before we publish a profile tomorrow of star Amos & Andes employee, Natalia Kudriasova. 

The following interview has been lightly edited for grammar and clarity. 

Pique: Describe your business and the products/services it provides, as well as when it launched.

We're a cozy sweater shop in the heart of Whistler, with a passion for bringing warmth and tradition through knit designs from around the world. We offer the finest selections from Cowichan-inspired Canadian sweaters to the newest Dale of Norway collection and Irish warmth—during the summer months we add linen dresses to the collection. 

What do you like the most about doing business in Whistler?

We love that most of our customers are enjoying time away from everyday work life with family or friends and enjoying a vacation in our beautiful resort. They have time to chat and enjoy the shopping experience. We can share our expertise on the products we offer and help create memories. Also, going for a ski or bike ride before opening the shop at 10 a.m. is a luxury my team and I will never stop appreciating.

What do you like the least about doing business in Whistler? 

The local politics. I respect anyone who uses their time being involved in our local politics; it must be frustrating and thankless.  

If you were mayor for a day, what single policy would you implement in Whistler to best support local businesses?  

I would allow sandwich boards with a licence in appropriate locations. These would create colourful information for guests. At the moment, only select businesses are allowed. 

What’s a memorable moment or customer from your time doing business in Whistler?

Other than helping a few movie stars, my favourite story is about our "Lucky Sweater," made in honour of Cody James Strauss. 

Cody was a passionate angler whose appreciation of fish reflected his pursuit of perfection, a guide in the Northwest Territories, an advocate for a sustainable fishing industry in Saskatchewan, and a leader who willingly shared his talents with those who wanted to learn. Cody lived his life doing what he loved. He was known to catch BIG FISH and he attributed it to his lucky sweater. Cody died tragically in an accident returning from a fishing tournament. Cody’s mother reached out to have a few Cowichan-inspired sweaters made for her family and Cody’s friends.

Our suppliers continue to make The Lucky Sweater in his name and due to its popularity with our customers, his legacy continues.

Learn more at whistlersweatershop.com.

Got a business or employee you'd like us to profile? Email reporter Brandon Barrett at [email protected].