Established in 2007, Shopgirls has been a mainstay on the Parkdale Village strip for quite some time. Unlike other retailers that dot Queen West, Shopgirls immediately gives a sense of community upon entering. Not only does the boutique carry Canadian designers exclusively, but they cater to the uniqueness of each and every one of their customers, something that is almost unheard of in the current fast-fashion landscape. I spoke with Shopgirls’ owner, Michelle Germaine about what inspired her to create such an inviting and customer oriented environment.
Style Nine to Five: What’s the inspiration behind Shopgirls?
Michelle Germaine: Shopgirls offers women of all shapes stylish and unique wardrobe building ideas with a Canadian twist.
SNTF: What is the best part of running a retail store?
MG: Being your own boss! But this sometimes can also be the worse part of running a retail store. What can I say? I love what I do! I must admit it’s never boring and I love that each day is different. It can be unpredictable, exciting, depressing and everything in between. I also feel so strongly about our main message of shopping your shape, not your size and the positive impact this can have on so many women.
SNTF: What part of your job is the most challenging?
MG: Learning how to prioritize my time and creating that perfect balance between the shop and my personal life. Focusing on growing the business, developing and nurturing my team, raising two little girls and spending quality time with my husband, definitely presents its challenges.
SNTF: Who is the Shopgirls customer?
MG: She is a professional woman who is time strapped yet fashionable looking for style and comfort when building her wardrobe. And she’s happy to shop local!
SNTF: Your store focuses on Canadian designers, explain the importance of featuring Canadian products?
MG: Exclusively carrying Canadian designers is what defines and differentiates Shopgirls from all other retailers out there. We have so much homegrown talent, I don’t see why I should look outside of Canada!
SNTF: What’s next for Shopgirls?
MG: Taking over the world! We want to continue spreading the message of shopping your shape, not your size. We feel that as women, we spend far too much time and energy on things we don’t like about our bodies. We want to reverse this and show women how to focus on the attributes they do like and make them look and feel like the babe they truly are! It’s a healthy and positive approach that teaches women the tools they need to make this an ongoing habit.
All images courtesy of Shopgirls.
By: Zoe Alexandra Torell, Toronto, @blueauguste
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