Dimly lit space now a bona fide YWCA boutique
Giddily brandishing a pair of scissors, Alexis Losie stood in front of a wide red ribbon she had tied herself. It was sealing off the entrance to a recently renovated store.
Losie isn’t a business owner; rather, she is the senior director of operations with YWCA Regina. Her excitement on Wednesday stemmed from the official reopening of the organization’s Encore Market, a low-cost, second-hand store in the YWCA’s lobby on McIntyre Street downtown.
“Second-hand stores don’t need to feel like a second-rate experience. This reminds people that they’re worthy of beautiful, wonderful things,” Losie said.
Over the past year, the YWCA has worked to revamp what Losie called a dimly lit space into a bona fide boutique. The small store now boasts bright lighting, sleek racks and is meticulously organized.
Ribbon cut, people filed into the store, and some started shopping straight away. The shop is popular with YWCA’s clients, immigrants and city hall employees from across the street, said Losie. Even she was sporting a pair of pants from the store.
Losie took on the project after hearing from a long-term resident of the YWCA how important the store has been to decorating her room like a home.
Recently, Losie said, a Syrian family experienced reverse sticker shock at the till and exclaimed “Welcome to Canada” over their relief at being able to afford essential items there.
The store is supplied through donations: leftovers that aren’t used by the YCWA’s shelter residents. It’s filled with adult and children’s clothing, accessories, shoes, jewelry, decor items, books and games.
Losie said, “Everything through this little store goes right back into the YWCA, and we’re very proud of that.”
Last year, it raised $50,000 for the YWCA’s programs.
That’s even more impressive when you consider the price on items: the highest in the shop is $5.
Encore Market is open to the public 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday to Friday; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday.