4 minute read
On The Go Fashion
Eve Fay Hua, the owner of On The Go Fashion, has faced two major challenges in the last three years. Her West 41st Avenue clothing boutique was one of seven businesses destroyed in an overnight fire on June 22, 2017.
After the devastating loss, Eve Fay took two years off to stay at home to care for her children, and during that time she became a licensed realtor. She dreamed of reopening On The Go Fashion but waited patiently for the right time and the right location to begin anew.
On September 23, 2019, much to the delight of her customers, she reopened the store in its new location on West Boulevard. She says, “They are thrilled and have been spreading the word that On The Go Fashion is back!”
She recalls that happy day in September. “It was a rainy day. I was surprised to see so many people come out, including Diane Poetker, the founder of On The Go Fashion,” says Eve Fay.
Just as the business was getting re-established, COVID-19 arrived; the shop shut down in mid-March and did not reopen until June 1.
She and her staff follow the government’s safety guidelines and have implemented operating protocol to keep themselves and their customers’ safe.
Currently, people are not permitted to enter the shop if they are feeling unwell. One customer is served at a time. There are no returns after purchase. Customers are invited to try on clothes in an open area where they still have privacy, or they may use the fitting room if it hasn’t been used in three days. All clothes are steamed once they have been tried on and are quarantined for several days before they are returned to the racks.
In the early days of reopening, Eve Fay mainly worked solo. She is grateful to her devoted staff for familiarizing themselves with the shop’s safety protocol so she could take some days off.
The new store is one-third of the size of the former boutique, which opened in 1983. Eve Fay purchased the established business in 2009 when the original owners retired. With the reduction in floor space, Eve Fay pared down the number of lines sold and came up with a new business model. She saw the potential in adding value to her business by creating a one-stop-shop.
Dry cleaning is done off-site; simply drop in your clothing and On The Go Fashion takes care of the rest. Return to the store several days later and it will be waiting for you. Mandy’s Professional Alternations is conveniently housed within the shop.
She says, “Ninety percent of the lines are Canadian. Customers feel good knowing they are supporting Canada’s economy.”
Burnaby based company Sympli is a proudly Canadian manufacturer of ethical, high-quality clothing. This brand embodies comfort and a flattering fit and is designed with every body in mind.
Joseph Ribkoff’s beautiful dresses and sportswear draw people to the store. Almost all of this Canadian company’s clothing is designed, sewn, and produced in Dorval, Quebec, which is a remarkable feat in today’s fashion world.
Montreal based Lisette L creates a fashion line for mature women with an emphasis on fit while creating styles that are on-trend. Eve Fay comments, “Lisette L flatters every body type.”
Tribal is another popular Montreal designed line, which emphasizes comfort and fit.
Unbelts is a new line Eve Fay is pleased to carry. This one size flexible, adjustable stretch band belt was originally made in China; the company now has a second Edmonton based production studio.
If you need ideas on how to put together a great looking outfit there are attractively accessorized outfits on display, or just ask Eve Fay and her knowledgeable staff who are always happy to assist.
Fall is on the way! For more than 60 years Danish company Junge has manufactured quality coats. Eve Fay says, “Junge coats were a big hit last year. Many clients couldn't get one as they sold out quickly, especially the waterproof styles. I'd suggest visiting the shop early this fall to check out the styles.”
Eve Fay is extremely grateful to all of the suppliers who gave her back the lines after the shop’s two year closure. She says, “They trusted in me to reopen.” She also has a deep appreciation for her clients. She remarks, “Thank you for your support. We are delighted to be back. If you have not yet discovered On The Go Fashion, come in and check us out!”
On The Go Fashion, 6031 West Boulevard, Vancouver, BC V6M 3X2. Telephone 604-267-7761
www.onthegofashion.ca
