All in the Family
Every family comes with baggage. For U.N. Luggage owners and siblings Jon Thiessen and Jen Goreski, it’s literal.
Jon and Jen had a lot to unpack before deciding to take on the family business together 10 years ago. U.N. Luggage’s long history in the Exchange District began in 1940, when it was a wholesale business. Jon and Jen’s father, Peter, purchased the store in 1987.
Along with the pressure that arrives with any business venture, there was the additional element of preserving a legacy. “Don’t disappoint. Don’t let things fall apart,” said Jon.
The two found their groove early on. “Our styles are complimentary. We both naturally fall into our roles,” said Jon, the eldest. Working with family brings comfort and security. “You can always trust the other has the best interest of the business in mind.”
Sibling rivalry hasn’t entered the picture. Competition is instead focused on outdoing their business rivals by providing service you won’t find other places where luggage is sold, said Jon, who started helping out at the store as a teenager.
The lessons in customer service he learned then remain at the core of what they do today.
“We’re here to help you find the most appropriate bag for the trip you’re going on,” he said. U.N. Luggage is also a rarity in that they service what they sell. “Every bag ever will eventually get damaged,” he said. Their repair department can take care of your investment.
They also host special events for their customers in the spring and fall, complete with food and wine. That’s not happening in the luggage aisle at Canadian Tire. You also won’t find the brands that are focused on independent retailers. The informal network of independent luggage retailers they’re part of also resulted in a further business opportunity. Two years ago, the duo purchased the travel shop, Wanderlust, in Vancouver.
Jen said she feels fortunate to be able to work with family. “Not everyone has the opportunity. We both know what’s at stake and work equally hard. We have the same end goal in mind.” Jen has two children, ages 5 and 10, while Jon is also a father of two, ages 7 and 12.
“We’re here to take care of the business for the next generation.”
All photos by Claudine Gervais
