5 minute read
BON RETOUR
A Passion for Upcycled Designer Fashion
Calling all fashionistas! Are you aware there is a store in Steveston village where you can purchase women’s designer clothing in like-new condition for a fraction of the original retail price while avoiding the environmental cost of fast fashion?
It has been 35 years since Glenda Walliser took the leap from staying at home with her young children to opening her own business, Bon Retour, a consignment boutique that specializes in higher-end apparel and accessories.
Glenda has loved fashion for as long as she can remember. As a teenager, she enjoyed trading clothes with her friends. She says, “My friend’s closets were always much more interesting than mine.”
“It was scary when I opened the door of my original location on Cambie Street in 1987 until customers started arriving. I sold a bunch of stuff that first day and then I knew there was a market,” says Glenda.
Bon Retour was based in Vancouver for 25 years until Glenda found its forever home in Steveston in 2011.
People are not always aware that Bon Retour is a consignment store. When they step inside they find current, stylish clothing, designer handbags, jewellery, accessories, and the latest footwear fashions.
Glenda remarks, “Bon Retour specializes in gently preloved designer brand clothing. We offer quality brands you want at very affordable prices.”
Merchandise is always changing as items sell and new pieces come in on consignment. Some of the brands you may be lucky enough to find include Chanel, Coach, Donna Karan, Eileen Fisher, Gucci, Kate Spade, Lady Dior, Louis Vuitton, Ted Baker and Tiffany.
Glenda finds it satisfying to run a business that supports sustainability and saves clothes from the landfill. She knows some people who will only purchase consignment clothing, herself included.
Her clients see the value in upcycling clothing which is more popular now than ever before.
The fashion industry is one of the world’s largest polluters, therefore choosing to purchase pre-loved clothing is not only a sustainable choice but also a necessary one for our fragile planet.
New consignors are always welcome. The best time to consign is at the beginning of the upcoming season.
Glenda says, “In the small 500 square foot space every hanger counts. The clothing needs to be in excellent condition, current and different.
Authentic designer labels and well recognized brands of clothing and accessories are best suited for re-sale, although all quality pieces will be considered.”
If you are new to consignment, call the store to make an appointment prior to your first visit. Bon Retour’s website features a helpful list on how to consign with the store. Glenda will start looking at summer attire in May.
A shift occurred during the pandemic as the demand for dressy clothing to attend special events and formal occasions dropped, however, as things return to normal these items will be back.
Customer service is of utmost importance to Glenda and her two employees Lina and Sally. While some clients prefer to browse quietly, others enjoy being fully assisted, and will even leave the store wearing the items they purchase. Helping people with their style is one of Glenda's favourite parts of her job and putting an outfit together that someone loves always brings a smile to her face.
The boutique has many loyal customers and consignors, with some dating back to the early days when the shop was located on West Broadway and Spruce Street.
“It’s like Christmas when customers discover a great find. People come in and say they’ve been looking for something for years. When they find a piece of clothing in their size, they are thrilled. Some customers even have their names on a waiting list for certain items.”
Glenda mentions, “We put out new items daily. You never know what treasure you might find, but we guarantee it will be unique.”
“Without a doubt, the greatest reward of my business is the friendships I have made. It is such a social atmosphere. I don’t think I will ever retire — I love my business so much.”
If you are looking for designer labels while saving money, or if you are looking for ways to care for Mother Earth and want to stop fuelling the fast fashion industry, pay a visit to Bon Retour. You may find, like their many devoted customers, that the boutique becomes your one-stop fashion shop!
Bon Retour 3806 Moncton Street Richmond BC V7E 3A6
Telephone 604-370-1951
www.bonretour.com
