Modern Primitive here to stay under new ownership

Co-owners of Modern Primitive Bonnie and David Parkinson shared their plans to retire and close the store in January, but Modern Primitive is now here to stay under new owner Derek Morley.

Morley, who spoke fondly of visiting Modern Primitive growing up, was enthusiastic about the future of the store.

As the owner of Global Culture Trading Post, a similarly-themed cultural gifts store in the Brockville mall, Morley shared the Parkinson’s love of travel and trade. Global Culture Trading Post was seasonally successful, but Morley spoke of difficulties attracting customers during the winter. Morley was approached by the owners of Modern Primitive with an offer to collaborate, and eventually decided to take on an ownership role. The previous owners will still be involved, but Morley will have “full creative control,” he said.

Customers can still expect to see the same layout and general products as before, but Morley has expanded the stock slightly and added some new items, such as collections of crystals and woven baskets. Speaking of the difficulty of finding reasonably priced oils, Morley also noted the store’s new display of essential oils.

The store’s grand reopening will be taking place during the May long weekend. Modern Primitive will be hosting a community fashion show Saturday, May 18, 2019 and a musical jam session on Sunday, May 19, 2019. They will also be hosting a Tarot card reader and a book launch on Monday, May 20, 2019.