Montréal is one of the best cities in the world, and whenever we're there, we spend as much time in Mile End and The Plateau as possible. In those streets you'll find community, history, entertainment, and Scott Meleskie of Clark Street Mercantile. We love all our retailers but CSM is a special place for us because of our relationship with the city, and with Scott, but also because he started the same year we did. He is so meticulous with his shop and its brand mix that it's worth a visit just to see the layout on that particular day. When you do pop in, give yourself a good amount of time to take it all in (and say hi for us). Can you tell...
OK, hold on to your hats and get ready to fall in love with Winnipeg's Kelsey & April and their little shop of dreams, Margot + Maude! We're not kidding... if you like fun, fashion and friendliness, this is your new favourite shop (to go along with our other retailers). Their level of knowledge on what they carry in their shop is incredible, their welcoming nature is classic Canadian, and their selections are simply delightful. When you're in the 'Peg, you simply must pop in. Can you tell us a little bit about your background(s)? M + M: We worked independent retail together at a little boutique in Osborne Village back in 2007. We got to be very hands on in our roles there...
Los Angeles can often feel big and impersonal, but on West 3rd you'll find a stretch that feels local and friendly. Right in the thick of that vibe you'll find the wonderfully welcoming Carlton Drew - a casual and preppy mens shop with East Coast accents. (See all our accounts at Stockists.) Learn from entrepreneur and founder Drew Sutton on how he had to rethink locations in a hurry, and what to expect if you're deciding to venture out on your own. We love this shop and encourage you to pop in for visit next time you're in LA. Can you tell us a little bit about your background? Drew Sutton: I opened Carlton Drew at the end of 2012, before that...
For many entrepreneurs, when they were younger they maybe had no idea where they were going to end up, but later on you can often chart the path right back to those early moments. (Hindsight is a beautiful thing.) For Noel Wendt of Norwood Clothing Co, those early years were a clear indication of where he was headed, as you'll read in the following interview: Can you tell us a little bit about your background? NW: I'm Saskatchewan born and raised. Regina has been home for most of my life outside of a few years for high school in Moose Jaw. I started skateboarding in 1984 and it shaped many things in my future including my profession. Before we get started, how do you...
Sometimes the world just wants you to be a retail entrepreneur whether you have the experience or not. That's what happened to Altaf Baksh when he just couldn't resist opening Muddy George in Toronto's Bloorcourt neighbourhood, where he provides a carefully selected range of menswear brands, including Cursor & Thread. How do you take your tea or coffee? AB: I'm an Orange Pekoe guy in the morning and like a coffee in the afternoon. Both double-double. Can you tell us a little bit about your background? AB: Before opening the store, I spent the previous nine years in a corporate setting, in HR. While I didn't hate what I was doing, it wasn't my passion. While I had no retail or fashion industry experience...
