“There is not much left in retail for the common guy,” says Ameen Pabani, “but the big chain stores don’t hurt us because they aren’t willing to offer as much variety as we do. We’re a seasonal business.”
In 1990, Ameen opened the doors of Canadian Impressions, which over the years has grown to house Calgary’s largest selection of Canadian souvenirs at great value. Coffee mugs, t-shirts, sweatshirts, shot glasses, Canadian maple syrup products, postcards, caps, cowboy hats, Canadian made moccasins and much, much more, can all be found here.
“We also have the largest selection of glow-in-the-dark animal t-shirts, which are very popular amongst the locals. Everybody loves them.”
It’s clear that the decision to go into the souvenir business has led to a fulfilling career of cultural exchange for Ameen, who has proudly called Canada home since the early 1970s when he emigrated from India.
