Zielman's Goods and Gifts

The entrepreneurial spirit runs deep in Anneka Zehr-Bergen’s DNA. She and her mother, Ruth Zielman, opened Zielman’s Goods and Gifts in the heart of Zurich in December of 2019. Anneka has taken the full reins, as her mother had to step back after her father’s illness and eventual passing, but Ruth still provides support and advice, after running several successful businesses over the years.

Despite the challenges of opening just as a global pandemic hit, the store has persevered and its resiliency is emblematic of the vision of the business as a whole. Anneka’s business card states “locally made and sourced, sustainable and eco-friendly products” and she has set that in motion by creating relationships with more than 50 vendors who provide products in at least 25 different categories.

The range of products is incredible, with items ranging from local food to outdoor metal art, and everything in between. The inventory is constantly changing, as vendors are quick to react customers' habits and requests.

All of the vendors are small and home-based businesses that found a passion, but just needed a year-round place to sell their products, and were ecstatic to find Zielman’s where they can sell consistently, in one place, needing only to refill stock as required. The best part for them, is that Anneka deals with the business and marketing, leaving the vendors to do what they are best at, creating and producing.

The store has grown through the local connections that it makes with the creative community in the region. Once a vendor finds success, they are quick to recommend other makers to Anneka, ensuring that the customers have an extensive range of quality products to choose from. It really is “a store by locals for locals”, as Anneka likes to call it.

Anneka began by creating handmade aprons, skirts and bonnets from upcycled fabrics, promoting sustainability and reusability in all of her products, and that commitment has continued on in the lines of products that she carries in the store.

She also insists that all of the lines that she carries are of the highest quality, and is committed to carrying Canadian items. One brand that represents this commitment to quality is the County Bounty Artisanal Soda Company, which she loves because of their focus on flavours and ingredients. The company uses Ontario produce to create unique flavour combinations (such as black currant lemonade), with no artificial ingredients, and are, for the most part, lower in sugar than national brands of soda. They are a premium product, which makes them a little pricier as well, but she has found that once customers taste it, they are willing to pay the higher price and keep coming back for more.

The store is currently planning a second anniversary party for January 13, with details to be announced on social media as they are confirmed. Zielman’s Goods and Gifts can be found on Facebook and Instagram. 21 Goshen, Zurich.