Fashion Fair turns 40 and fabulous

Building a loyal clientele is what Fashion Fair co-owner Sheila Bracken credits for 40 years of successful business.

The Lively-based business is marking four decades of catering to women's fashion needs.

“We've just had a wonderful run of business for 40 years,” Bracken said.

While the fashions are changing all the time, the one constant in the 40 years of business has been Fashion Fair's location — the Walden Plaza in Lively. The store has been expanded to accommodate the demand for the clothes, but Fashion Fair's commitment to customer service in a relaxed, comfortable atmosphere is something that will never change.

“We've got that small-town atmosphere, where most customers are known on a first-name basis,” said Bracken. “It's a place where they can come in, chat, have a cup of coffee – it's very relaxing, and even for the husband, they can come in, enjoy the newspaper and some coffee while their wife shops.”

Over 40 years, Bracken has seen many faces come and go. Today, she is serving daughters and even granddaughters of her first clients. Even her own granddaughter works in the store.

It was eight years ago that Bracken and co-owner Jocelyne Tait joined forces. Up until then, Tait had been an employee at Fashion Fair.

“We just got along really well, and we had similar ideas,” Bracken said. “It came at a time where she wanted to get into business for herself, she loved the store, and I was ready for a change, and we haven't looked back since.

“It has been exciting and fun to operate these past eight years with a friend and business partner who has the same vision, but an extra dose of energy compared to me.”

Their vision of what's fashionable for today's lady draws customers from all over, with clients on the Manitoulin Island, North Bay, Parry Sound and even further south.

“Our fashions are very current with what's going on in the fashion world,” Bracken said. “We're always available to our customers on an individual basis.”

Last weekend, Brack and co-owner Jocelyne Tait played host to their annual in-store fashion show, which met with great success, Bracken said. On Saturday, they take the fashion show to the Church of the Epiphany, located at 85 Larch St., starting at 2 p.m.

It's a fundraiser for the church, Bracken said, with all proceeds supporting their programs.

For more about Fashion Fair and its 40 years in business, visit NorthernLife.ca.

“We've done fashion shows for the church for many years, and we just have a great relationship,” she said.

The fashion show is a win-win for both Fashion Fair and the church. While it raises money for the church, it is an effective method for the Bracken and Tait to get Fashion Fair's name out there. After all, no successful business can just rest on its laurels.

“Retail is a very competitive world,” she said. “We can't just sit back and rely solely on our current clientele. We are always looking for new customers Fashion Fair boasts 2,000 square feet of retail space, as well as an in-store dress-maker, who is able to handle all alterations.

“We welcome everyone to drop by and participate in our 40th anniversary celebration,” Bracken said.