Mar 07, 2025

Em’z Blendz Expands in Downtown Medford with New Retail and Production Facility

A New Chapter for Handcrafted Bath & Body in Southern Oregon

MEDFORD, OR – March 5, 2025 – Big things are bubbling up at Em’z Blendz! We’re thrilled to announce the opening of our brand-new retail and production facility in the heart of Downtown Medford. Nestled in the historic Hoover-Cooper Building at 232 E Main Street, this expansion marks a new era for our woman-owned, family-operated business, blending tradition with innovation in a space where customers can experience the art of handcrafted soap-making firsthand.

Why Downtown Medford? Because We Love It Here.

“For us, Downtown Medford has been a great place to grow our business,” says Andy Whitlock, co-owner of Em’z Blendz. “As we looked at the next phase of expansion, staying and growing downtown was an easy choice. The support we’ve received from the Downtown Medford Association has been instrumental in making this move a reality, and we’re excited to contribute to the momentum of downtown’s revitalization.”

Our move into the Hoover-Cooper Building, a stunning landmark built in 1890, is more than just a location upgrade—it’s a commitment to the future of Downtown Medford. We’re investing not only in our business but also in the vibrant community that has supported us for over two decades.

A Legacy of Craftsmanship & Sustainability

Founded in 1998 by Emily Whitlock, Em’z Blendz began as a small-batch soap company in her home kitchen. Over the years, we’ve grown into a thriving business known for our commitment to organic, eco-friendly ingredients, handcrafted quality, and sustainable packaging.

“This move takes me back to my roots—back to how I started in my first shop in Ashland in 2004,” says Emily Whitlock, founder of Em’z Blendz. “Over the years, we outgrew that space and shifted production to a warehouse. While functional, it lacked the ability for customers to truly see and experience what we do. It’s important to me that people can watch the process firsthand and understand that everything we create is truly handmade.”

Now, with our new open-concept production space, visitors will get to see, smell, and experience the magic of traditional soap-making up close. Live demonstrations will begin later this spring, allowing customers to witness our soap-making process from start to finish.

“One of the things I’m most excited about is having everything at my fingertips,” Emily adds. “No more running between my workspace and our retail space—it will all be in one place. This also opens the door for us to focus more on developing zero-waste packaging, which has been a long-time goal of mine.”

What to Expect at Our New Location

✔ Shop Our Full Line of Handmade Products – From artisan soaps to natural skincare, our new space offers everything you love about Em’z Blendz in one convenient location.

✔ Watch Soap Being Made – Ever wondered how our soaps, lotions, and bath essentials come to life? Now you’ll get to see it in action.

✔ Live Soap-Making Demos (Coming Soon!) – We’ll be offering live demonstrations this spring, so stay tuned!

✔ Sustainability at the Forefront – We’re doubling down on eco-friendly packaging and waste-reducing initiatives.

✔ More Room to Grow – This move allows us to expand our product offerings and get even more creative with new formulations.

Phased Move-In Plan: What You Need to Know

Our doors are already open at 232 E Main Street, Medford, so come say hello! Production will be phased in over the coming months, ensuring a smooth transition while maintaining our high standards of craftsmanship. Meanwhile, our Ashland boutique will remain open for our loyal customers there.

Community Support & Business Growth

“This is a win for Downtown Medford,” says EJ McManus, Board President of the Downtown Medford Association (DMA). “When local businesses see their future right here—choosing to grow downtown—it’s a testament to the business environment we’re building. The DMA exists to support and advocate for businesses like Em’z Blendz, and we’re thrilled to have played a role in helping them navigate their expansion.”

At its heart, this expansion isn’t just about us—it’s about helping downtown Medford thrive.

“There’s an incredible sense of camaraderie among the business owners in Downtown Medford,” says Emily Whitlock. “There are several husband-and-wife teams like us, and the level of support is amazing. Downtown brings in such a diverse range of people, and we love getting to meet and connect with customers from all over.”

“This expansion isn’t just about growing our business—it’s about creating an experience,” adds Andy Whitlock. “We want to make shopping at Em’z Blendz more than just a transaction. We want to invite people into the craft—to show them what goes into every bar of soap, every lotion, every product we make. That’s what makes this move so exciting.”