Fascination with fashion
Clothing store owner hopes for growth in new Kingston location
Terri Hulan’s childhood fascination with fashion has evolved into a small business venture.
“Fashion is something I fell in love with as a kid playing dressup, like most little girls,” she said in a recent e-mail to Kings County News.
“As a military wife, we would be posted from one place to another but fashion is something I could (share) with new friends.”
The Kingston resident first opened a smaller version her store, Terri’s Casual Wear, in Middleton in August 2014. In June, she opted to move the business to 527 Main St. in Kingston in hopes of increasing sales and creating more opportunities for growth.
“Kingston being very small, [it] doesn’t have many small local retail businesses and, as I was already familiar with clothing, I could fill a need,” she said, noting she’s been pleased with the response from the public so far.
She carries a number of Canadian product lines, including Lois, Becxy B, Black Bull, Modes Gitane and Artex, as well as the ever-popular Rock and Roll Cowgirl jeans.
When stocking my shelves I look for style, fit and (if I think) my customers love it, while also trying to get great deals, so I can pass the deals on,” she said, listing men’s clothing, women’s regular and plus sizes as her main focus at this time.
Hulan wants to see the business evolve into an operation with multiple employees on the
payroll. Her previous work in fashion has included various management roles at Reitman’s and Mark’s Work Wearhouse stores, and she’s happy to have an opportunity to now build something that is entirely her own.
“I love to be able to incorporate my own ideas and how I think things should be,” she said.
“I love getting to know my customers and helping them come up with their own unique style, or just adding a small piece to their current style.”
Hulan wants to see Terri’s Casual Wear become a popular destination within the Village of Kingston.
“I planted roots here, so I want to grow successfully and be a permanent part of the community.”