WHITEWATER REGION (Cobden) — Wendy Stone wasn’t ready for the rocking chair once she retired, so began looking for a retirement project with her husband Richard, although he didn’t plan on retiring with her. They decided to open a business they could both work at if necessary.
“It’s a project for Richard and I to provide service to the community,” she said. “I firmly believe that small business is the backbone of any small community.”
The couple decided there was an opportunity to provide that service through Easy Elegance, a fashion and home décor store. There was a ‘perfect storm’ that occurred that allowed Easy Elegance to open, because Maryann’s Fashion closed as did The Store Next Door. The building on Pembroke Street East was vacant where she wanted to set up shop, so it happened.
It’s mid to high-end women’s fashions, with a few select men’s fashions, such as shirts, underwear and socks, Mrs. Stone said. The sizes can range anywhere from two to triple-X depending on the brand.
“A lot of the clothes I’ve brought in are meant to be more comfortable for women with curves, and without, so it depends on the brand,” she said, adding, “I’ve been able to fit most people to date.”
It is possible if a customer likes something on the rack, Mrs. Stone may be able to order it in in a size that is not in the store. She also knows that as she gets to know her customer base, the better opportunity she will have to provide proper sizes available.
“Some of the brands are more forgiving than others, so I’ve tried to bring in a good variety of brands that cater to all body types,” she said.
Mrs. Stone believes there’s something for everyone at Easy Elegance, but possibly not the teenagers because they are looking for trendy, cutting-edge clothes. There is also casual to formal wear, she added.
“These are more sophisticated, classic pieces that you can build a wardrobe around,” she said.
There are some lines of clothing unique to the area that are not in any other stores in Renfrew County, Mrs. Stone said.
“That was intentional, so we could provide the customer with more choice,” she said, adding, “Competition is good and it’s nice to have a variety.”
She noted the clothes are restricted by season and supply.
Mrs. Stone noted there are also plenty of accessories, such as jewellry, hats, scarves and earrings.
The home décor side of the business is along the finishing touches, gift ideas, indoor and outdoor. There are two soap lines, one is Perth Soap and another is a local artisan.
“We shop really hard to find different items that complement both Candlewick, Simple Things, Hen House and Gauci’s,” Mrs. Stone said. “We tried to find our niche, so when people come into the area, they have lots to choose from. They won’t see the same items in every store.
“There’s great wedding gifts and birthday gifts, we’re trying to focus on giftware,” she explained.
Prices for home décor can be anywhere from $5 to $200, something for everyone, she said.
Mrs. Stone noted that living in a country atmosphere is unique, therefore there are items that have a country flare, such as tea towels with animals.
She said they are trying to stay with Made In Canada items as much as possible, noting that 70 percent of the home décor items are from local artisans. She said local artisans are welcome to approach her about selling their products, however, they must fit in with the store’s ambiance.
“We seek out local artisans with unique product offerings,” she said.
She also noted that if someone sees something they like, don’t wait to buy it, because next time they come in it may not be there and it may not be available again.
“The home décor, we are making a mindful effort, that if you go to someone’s home you won’t find the same thing on their counter, or maybe even at everyone’s else’s homes,” Mrs. Stone said. “It’s nice to have something a little bit unique.
“It takes a little more time to do that, but I think it’s worth it to always have a fresh offering, fresh look in the store.”
Richard and Wendy are a local family who raised two girls and are now both businesses owners, Richard for many years, including going back as far as his parents. Wendy is a chartered professional accountant who has always worked out of town.
“It’s nice to be in the community,” she said, adding, “It’s nice to walk up street and see people every day, that I didn’t have a chance to see very often.”
Easy Elegance opened February 23. With no retail experience, Mrs. Stone wanted the business to look like it was operating flawlessly, so wanted to “get the bugs out” prior to having a grand opening.
The Grand Opening is scheduled for this Saturday, April 13. A special incentive to come to the store on Saturday is there will be a surprise with every purchase, she said.
Easy Elegance provides employment to two full-time employees, Karen Campbell and Donna Lairar and eventually a summer student for July and August.
The store is opened 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, and each Thursday is 11 a.m .to 7 p.m.
Mrs. Stone is also looking forward to becoming involved in the business community in Whitewater Region. She wants to network and cross-market, because she believes the businesses have much to offer the shopping community. There’s the opportunity to combine resources and promote each other, she added. A board member with the Renfrew County Future Development Corporation, Mrs. Stone is aware of what’s happening in the business community and wants to remain involved.
