G&F Financial Group, one of the 10 largest Credit Unions in BC, recently opened its doors at the Willoughby Town Centre. G&F Financial Group is located on the corner of 208^th and Willoughby Town Centre Drive, in the new Willoughby Professional Centre.

We got an opportunity to ask Kam Mokha, the Willoughby branch manager a few questions about why G&F Financial decided to open a branch at this location, what sets them apart from other financial institutions and what are some of their more popular services.

As a growing credit union, G&F Financial Group wanted to expand its branch network in Metro Vancouver. Willoughby Town Centre was an obvious choice as it is in the heart of a burgeoning new neighbourhood that shares their values of community and integrity.

The Willoughby neighbourhood is vibrant, dynamic and growing. It has a lot to offer its residents – from its natural beauty, to its welcoming, community atmosphere. They are certainly glad to be a part of the Willoughby neighbourhood!

At G&F Financial Group, they take a personal and progressive approach to banking. They believe that banking should be convenient, open and transparent, and efficient. This philosophy is reflected in their broad range of products and services, personalized and friendly customer service, and various channels to bank with them.

“We’re so excited and proud to now be a part of the Willoughby neighbourhood! While we are new to Langley, we have over 70 years of experience in and around Vancouver, and have many branches throughout Metro Vancouver. We look forward to sharing our financial expertise with you!” – Kam Mokha

As a full service financial institution, G&F Financial Group has it all. From great mortgages, investments, commercial services, and financial planning, to term deposits and estate services. They also have fee-free banking for young adults, and recently launched Deposit Anywhere, where members can deposit their cheque from the comfort of their own home.

Please join us in welcoming G&F Financial Group into our community, which includes Shoppers Drug Mart, Hakam’s Your Independent Grocer, Town Centre Liquor Store, Mattu’s Coffee & Tea, Sassy Nail Salon & Spa, RBC Royal Bank, Noma Sushi and Willoughby Town Centre Dental. G&F Financial Group is located in the Willoughby Professional Centre next to the first residential phase, the Kensington (http://liveatkensington.ca/).

Nestled beside the Royal Bank is Willoughby Town Centre’s Sassy Nail Salon & Spa. Sassy Nail Salon & Spa has been open for over a year and is a diamond in the Willoughby rough.

Owners Cindy and Luc knew that one day they would be opening a new nail salon in the Langley area. While they had been told earlier about the opportunities in Willoughby, initially the timing wasn’t right, but the opportunity once again presented itself and they did not want to pass it up the second time around – and we are so glad they didn’t!

Because the area continues to develop, Cindy and Luc know that Willoughby Town Centre will grow to be a thriving community, one that they love being a part of. Luc says “Our neighbours are so very cheerful, friendly and welcoming.”

Sassy Nail Salon & Spa takes great pride in providing their customers with the very best service. They take their business very seriously and incorporate methods to keep their premises and tools sanitary. One such example is the use of plastic-lined foot tubs for those pedicures you will need now that the sun is shining and summer is just around the corner!

Sassy Nail Salon & Spa provides manicures, pedicures, artificial nails, and waxing at very competitive pricing.

They welcome drop-ins (currently Tuesdays and Wednesdays appear to be the best) but suggest that you call to book an appointment.

Check the Shops & Services section of our website for their hours and contact information.

We asked Shannon, Manager of the Town Centre Liquor Store, to share some information about her store, what they offer, and why they chose to become part of Willoughby Town Centre.  

Here is what Shannon had to share:

“Willoughby was actually not where we were slated to move originally but when we discovered this hidden gem and the growth that surrounded it, we wanted in right away.

I like this neighbourhood for several reasons. The Town Centre plaza is convenient in terms of having everything at your fingertips. I like the customers, many of them are quite wine savvy and that is fun. This plaza reminds me a little of a European shopping experience rather than the Big Box commercial experience.

Most people, when they come in to our store comment on the eclectic mix of product. We have that different and interesting beverage that they want to try. We get very positive feedback on our pricing and our wine selection. I think there is nothing worse than going into a store to find the “same old same old” and it never rotates or changes. I like change and I like to surprise people with something new. The nice thing about wine shopping at many private stores is that we try it before bringing it in to ensure our customers are getting good quality and value.

We recently brought in a large order from Chile and Argentina, predominantly from Santa Rita Vineyards. These are a one time buy, with a few of them sold out already because they are so good and great prices. These are wines that one would have to go to South America to try otherwise as they are not regular or permanent listings in British Columbia. I will strive to do more of these kinds of programs because I think people like them overall.

My personal favourite in wine is Zinfandel, especially from Lodi, California. I rarely come across one that I don’t like. Zinfandel is a red grape with big fruity flavour but not a heavy wine. I like the Flying Winemaker Zin and Lange Twins is another favourite. A few of my other recent favourites are Kim Crawford Pinot Noir, Maggio Cabernet Sauvignon (very nice, soft tannins) and Nobilo Sauvignon Blanc. I’m a strong believer that wine should be fun, not pretentious. I have always thought it to be the perfect blend between art and science.

Being in the valley, we sell a lot of Budweiser. We have a great craft section though, we sell the bombers, cold from a self serve shelf and some hard to find packs out of our walk in cooler. We try to keep up with requests but there isn’t always space! In wine, our best sellers are Apothic Red, Bodacious Red and in whites, Hardy’s Reisling Gewurztraminer. We are lucky enough to be a retailer of many Boutique BC wineries/VQA brands that are difficult to source, Burrowing Owl for example. We are proud to support the small wineries and breweries in our province.”