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ShopMidland Profiles: Christine Taylor of Taylor & Co. Clothiers
Posted: 03/25/2015


ShopMidland Profiles: Christine Taylor of Taylor & Co. Clothiers

Could you tell me a bit about the business and how it came to be?

"We are a unique men’s retail clothing store and happy to be located in the core of downtown Midland.  We offer high quality clothing, footwear, and some accessories. 

What is unique is not only the design of the store, but the fashion too; we are basically a combination of classic traditional style with a modern European flare! 

Initially our goal was to offer top quality clothing for the business casual, but not long after opening, we quickly realized there was also a need for “business dress”.  So, the final decision was to offer quality clothing for both business dress and casual, for any gentleman who has an appreciation of quality and style.

The building came first; it actually presented itself to a friend who was left with the decision of what to do with it.  Eventually the idea of a men’s clothing store made sense; there was no specialized store of this kind in the area.  So, the demand, the location, the timing … everything screamed CLOTHIERS!

The name “Taylor & Co.” took a little longer to come up with, but eventually it too made sense.  It is my last name, many of my friends call me “Taylor” and at the risk of sounding corny, I like company!"

What were you doing prior to this, and have you always lived in Midland?

"I have not, although I definitely consider Midland my hometown.  I was actually born in England and emigrated when I was 21.  Both of my children were born here (the oldest is 27 now) so it has been a while, but I like to think I’ve done most of my growing up here! 

For the last 25 years, I have been working in the financial industry.  Initially, eleven years with the Bank of Nova Scotia (Scotiabank), then with Bill Richardson at Investors Group, and up until last year I was with Dunlop Financial Services as an independent mortgage agent.  Funny thing I just noticed, all of those are here on King Street, where my current business is.  Although very little “retail” experience, it has been many years of customer service!"

What would you say is your favourite part about owning a business?

"Apart from the challenge of running a business, I’d have to say it is the honour of having earned a customer’s respect and appreciation for a job well done.
 
The response has been overwhelming.  It is still early days, but already we have built some amazing clients, some of which have even become friends who will pop in just to say hello!

The greatest compliment to me is when they return and bring their family and friends to meet us.  I’d have to say, the biggest challenge for me is remembering all the names; faces, no problem, but names I’m terrible at, so please forgive me if I ask again!"

What advice would you give to someone who is looking into starting either a business of this nature, or any business in general?  *This answer features one of Christine’s employees, Carol.

"Choose a business there is a need for and know your product!  Be prepared and put together a business plan that makes sense. And do the job well – make it the best it can be."

Carol:  "Having the right personality is a big thing. Flexibility too. You have to be a team and work together as a team!"

Christine:  "Yes!  We all bring something different and special to the team. I can try to be the boss (haha, when they let me) but quite frankly there is no “boss”, we all have the same goal and that is to make the store a success."

Carol:  "Also, you really have to know your clients.  You have to know them, but you also have to want to know them.  A big thing is to remember you’re not dressing someone based on your own personal taste and style; you’re helping them with theirs!"

Christine:  "Flexibility and availability is important too.  Something we also offer and actually encourage is private shopping after hours; customers can book an appointment for some private time allowing them a more personal shopping experience."

What are you hoping to achieve in the next few months, even years with this business?  Do you have any future plans to expand or change anything?

"No plans to expand just yet, although we have been asked on a number of occasions if we would consider selling women’s clothing.  As of now, the answer is no, mainly because I need to master my buying technique first.  I actually have a tendency to buy too much (it is hard, there are so many beautiful designs out there)!  It is also still our first year and as we move forward, we will be watching which designers are preferred more so, over others."

Thank you for your time, Christine.  Finally, a personal question, what would be your favourite line in the store?

"'Are you being served? - Mrs. Slocombe.'
Haha, sorry, that is a favourite line taken from an old British comedy show I grew up watching!  

But, as far as my favourite line in the store, I honestly can’t choose.  I love them all.  Fred Perry, Ted Baker, Nautica, Tommy Bahama, Bugatti, Mavi, 34 Heritage, the list goes on, as they all bring something unique to the store.  Oh, but I do have to say, we are having fun with a Canadian line called SAXX; we cannot seem to keep them in stock fast enough!"


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