Our Story

Biscuit General Store is inspired by our love of beauty and by our community here in Halifax, NS. Halifax is our heart and soul, and we're always evolving to offer what resonates for us and our customers.

We opened in 1996 in a tiny space with no money to offer a fashion-centric alternative  to mall chain stores that was local, more human, more fun. Our founder, Wendy Friedman, has an extensive history in the fashion industry, as a retail manager, buyer, wholesale representative and designer, but what really inspired her was the idea of creating a shop where she could work more directly with customers and clothes —not just style numbers on spreadsheets⁠. Biscuit has gradually grown to include handsome styles, a wide range of accessories & jewelry, and a selection of unique gifts.

In 2022 Biscuit General Store undertook a total refresh - rebranding and moving the store to a bright new space on Gottingen Street in the North End. In this new location we are more accessible, and are surrounded by like minded, locally owned small businesses, including our sibling store - The Independent Mercantile Co., a home decor shop located across the street.

WHAT'S IN A NAME?

People always ask about our shop name. When Wendy was trying to name for the shop, nothing quite pulled at her heartstrings. Then a friend said: "Why don’t you just name it what you were gonna name the dog?" Wendy had always wanted a dog named Biscuit, and when her friend said this - she could immediately envision the logo for Biscuit General Store.

The name idea for the dog, and ultimately for the shop, was a nod to Wendy's South Carolina upbringing.  Biscuits⁠ are a staple on family tables as savoury, layered rolls served warm with most meals. That goodness evoked what Wendy wanted in her shop: feelings of connection and warmth. General Stores are also a strong tradition in the south where Wendy grew up - they sold everything from clothing to homewares. In old New York City, Wendy's great-grandparents operated their own general store when they first came to North America as immigrants.