ARE WE IN STEP WITH THE TIMES?
It’s a brand new year and pundits abound with predictions for 2016. Naturally I have a particular interest in aspects related to the retail side of the economy. Conventional bricks and mortar retailers have lost significant ground as online selling grows exponentially. Empty stores visibly mark these changes in malls and shopping districts across the country as the paradigm shifts. Fashion retailing has been among the hardest hit in the last three years. Since Aphrodite opened in early 2012 I have observed major changes in the fashion industry and among those still standing I hear agents, manufacturers and designers longing for the good old days.
Aphrodite is operating on a dated business model – one that’s reliant on customers who enjoy optimal customer service, excellent quality and the ability to make an immediate purchase. The store is situated centrally in a small town and delivers a level of sophistication and a large selection that is usually only found in larger cities. Local artisans are promoted and supported and we have extensive knowledge of the designers and the companies whose products we carry. Fast clothing made by exploited workers is not our mantra. As the buyer, I travel to Toronto and Montreal twice a year for a two week period each time. I visit three to four showrooms a day where I view as many as twenty lines each day from which I carefully select the pieces in the colours and sizes that I think our customers will want. At least 50% 0f our lines are from Canadian designers who we support with great enthusiasm.
We know our designers and we know our customers – we think of them all year long and we stay in touch with them when new products arrive that we think they might like. Partners and family members often rely on our knowledge when choosing gifts for their loved ones.
We do our best to entertain with fashion shows, trunk shows and other seasonal events. We participate in the downtown business association – the only organization unilaterally dedicated to making our business district sustainable. Together we make your town attractive, accessible and interesting.
Most of all we are part of the community. Our business district is called on regularly to contribute to hundreds of fundraisers many of which we facilitate ourselves.
Come to think of it – maybe we are the ones who are doing it right – just maybe our outdated business model isn’t so outdated after all. What do you think?
Please note – our winter hours are now Monday – Saturday 11 – 5 pm.
And our WINTER SALE EXTRAVANZA IS NOW ON! Enjoy discounts up to 75%!
APHRODITE 
One awesome business that supports the whole community.
Dear Tiiu,
I think you are do a wonderful job and we are all the better for it. Thank you.
By the way, I was asked to pack light for my trip to Upstate NY with Andrea and
her friends. Guess what went into my small carry on? My recent purchases from
Aprhodite! Tops and bottoms..I lived in them!
Fran
Sent from Windows Mail
I think a big reason we travel from South Bar to Antigonish is Aphrodite.
I love Aphrodite and all that you offer and am grateful for all that you do!
Tiiu and team – You are to be commended for your creativity in competing in a difficult market. You bring so much to our community; style, positive energy, beauty and shoppers! All the best for 2016.