Behind every store window is a culmination of imagination, dreams, inspiration and dedication by brave entrepreneurs. Each business has a story and we are all inspired by hearing stories of our peers who have overcome, realised opportunity, and are thriving in today's challenging and rewarding retail world.
Forever Yours Lingerie: Langley's Homegrown Success story
Sonya Perkins knew it was time to grow out of her shop (again) when it began bursting at the seams with customers and stock. Perkins began Forever Yours Lingerie 12 years ago on Fraser Highway in a 600 square foot unit. In five years, the business once again outgrew its space and moved into 2100 square feet, with a staff of four. Fast-forward a few more years, to a staff of 12 and a demand for service that has risen out of a customer base that has grown tremendously.
Momentum Grooming: Designing a Retail Experience
Retailers need to redesign the shopping experience. It’s not just about the product/service you’re selling; it’s about how you make customers feel! Take Momentum Grooming, in Vancouver, as a great case study...
Nancy Mudford: An Entrepreneur Harnesses the Power of Technology
Opening Le Petit Spa was the realization of a lifelong dream for Nancy Mudford. Only 9 years ago, Nancy left the public sector in search of a new outlet for her drive and creativity. "Entrepreneurship had always appealed to me because owning a business would allow me to tap into my creative side," Nancy says.
Wine Kitz: Updating a Vintage Look
When Johanna Kraemer began her career with the Wine Kitz franchise about 15 years ago, she never dreamed that her part-time job would turn into an all consuming passion and that she would in fact become the owner of the south Calgary store.
Gaming a Way of Life for Calgary Success Story
When you first walk into the Sentry Box, it’s hard to believe Gordon Johansen started his business out of the trunk of his car. At 13,000 square feet, it’s the largest game store in North America.
David van Berckel An Artistic Entrepreneur and Expansion Visionary
From aspiring artrepreneur to accomplished entrepreneur, David van Berckel has grown his art supply business from one shop and one employee (himself) to six stores and some 150 staff members.
Marilyns, Service From the Ground Up and Beyond
Marilyn Diligenti obtained a $1,000.00 personal loan and marched down to the fashion exchange where she purchased a small armful of women’s clothing. The rest is history…
More than an Accidental Career
Meet Meagan Warren, ‘Merchandising Marvellette’ (aka Store Manager) for Deep Cove’s LaLa’s, a single location gift and home décor retailer. She happened upon a front line job working at LaLa’s when she was 19 - just out of high school, and fell in love with the industry.
Murray Goldman, A Pioneer Who Has Passed on His Legacy
Perhaps young Moses Goldman’s parents named him after a great leader because they wished for him to become someone extraordinary. Little did they know at the time that their young son was truly going to rise above the crowd…
Dianes Way Caring, Compassion and Community
She is described as a “classy lady” and the “epitome of everything that is great about independent retailers”; She is Diane Thomson of Dianes Lingerie – a venerable institution in Vancouver’s South Granville area and in the city, itself.
Nelsons Baker Street Experience Cooks Up Retail Excellence
There’s vibrancy in Nelson, British Columbia that is unique, and in some ways inexplicable. It’s just pure positive energy. And for retailers it creates a Mecca for creativity and success.
The Avant Gardener, Green to the Core
Some retailers have adopted the attitude of being good corporate citizens, without worrying too much about how complicated the approach could be. Darlene Sanders, is one such retailer.
Energy Efficiency Meets the Bottom Line at Wear Else
In 2007, Wear Else gained a new commitment to environmental sustainability and the company even wrote the idea of conserving energy – as well as reducing waste and encouraging sustainable packaging – into its corporate mission.
From Ball Gowns to Business Mogul
Gerri Charles jokingly describes her line of business as “Cinderella stuff”, but the success of her Champagne & Lace Bridal Centre is no fairy tale.
Edie Hats, Where Technology Supports the Imagination
Edie Orenstein who owns a one location retail business called Edie Hats is one of the fortunate ones. Though she would be the first to tell you that this fortune comes from years of hard work and self reflection, she has managed to marry her love of costume, people and theater into a thriving retail business.
Scallywags Childrens clothing innovator puts exit strategy in action
It’s the mantra every retailer whispers. The only motivation to keep a retailer plugging away goes something like: “It’s all worth it because one day I’m going to sell this business.”
Three Generations of Family Crafting Success
There’s a saying, “the family that plays together, stays together.” For the Pepperdines, though, it’s “the family that works together, stays together.”
A Spot of Africa, Enriching Two Communities Half a World Apart
Brian and Bridged Lott derive great satisfaction from success, but their pleasure doesn’t lie just in profits, it also comes from the knowledge that every dollar they spend on stock for their shops makes an almost immeasurable difference to the lives of people half a world away.
