From left: Christina, Michelle and Danielle, the sisters guiding City Tile
NANAIMO – City Tile is a one-stop shop for all things tile, and the family owned and operated business – led by three sisters – continues to grow on Vancouver Island as evidenced by a major expansion of their Courtenay location in March.
“This year marks 22 years of successful business, which we are very proud of,” states Marketing Director Danielle Lundstrom, who is joined by sisters Christina Staniscia, General Manager, and Michelle Staniscia, the Interior Design and Purchasing Specialist for the company, owned by parents Dominic and Rose Staniscia, who opened their first store in Nanaimo in 2003.
“The three of us daughters are working towards the succession plan of purchasing the business and continuing our parent’s legacy in the near future,” says Danielle. “We are excited for what’s to come, taking what our parents have taught us over the years and continue to grow.
“We are building new connections with factories/suppliers from all over the world (i.e Italy, Spain, China and more) to bring new, innovative and exciting products to our business.”
Danielle, who has worked in the company for 13 years and works in the Nanaimo location, manages advertising, social media and the website. Michelle, in her 18th year with the firm, primarily operates out of the Nanaimo location, and works one-on-one with designers and contractors on larger projects. She also connects with factories to arrange containers and the new product lines that arrive at the store. Christina, who has 20 years’ experience at City Tile, is the General Manager and is responsible for managing day to day operations at both locations based in Courtenay, while delegating roles and responsibilities to employees, as well as handling the bookkeeping.
City Tile founders Rose and Dominic Staniscia
“Our industry is considered to be a male dominant industry, but within the last 10 years we have noticed more female representatives and partnerships within our suppliers,” Michelle notes. “We work with many designers and architects in the field which has a strong female lead.”
City Tile has several initiatives in place to attract more female workers.
“We are working closer with our suppliers to arrange in-house workshops and seminars to help educate everyone,” she adds. “We’re bringing in new and innovative products to broaden our services.
“We’re also gaining closer relationships with local designers across the island by showing samples of new product, and asking their input before purchasing.”
City Tile’s Nanaimo location is central and easily accessible
Within the last five years, City Tile has expanded its operations through the Comox Valley store opening, starting with 2,800 square feet. In March, they grew to 11,800 square feet.
“We have some very exciting products arriving later this summer and we’re anticipating this will be a great addition to what we already offer,” Christina observes. “With the new and exciting additions that we are making, we’re projecting this will in turn bring in new clientele.”
There are several keys to City Tile’s success over the years.
“Keeping our family values is one of our top priorities as we continue to provide the best possible customer service,” notes Danielle. “Also, having a variety of stock and selection available as ‘cash and carry’ items, and competitive pricing.
“Our team has a true passion for the industry, and we do our best in providing expert advice and product knowledge. We have confidence in everything we do, and what we sell.”
