County of Brant Business Bits Website Business Spotlight

Full Name of Business:
Debbie's Basic Black

Location & Phone number
519-442-7600 Email: debbiesbasicblack@bellnet.ca

What does your business do?
I sell 'simply elegant ladies wear'

When did the business open?
Opening day was September 2nd, 2008

How did you come up with the idea for this business?
I've always dreamed of owning my own clothing store and have spent many years in retail, in sales and as a buyer for an independently owned boutique.
My plan was to open a 'little black dress' shop.
The more I thought about it, I thought that the lady who found her perfect little black dress (known in the fashion world as the L.B.D.) wouldn't be looking for the perfect piece again until she wore it out or changed size. That's when I decided to include separates for business and casual. I decided to 'keep it simple' and stick to basic black and white.

What makes your business unique?
I hope that when people come into the shop, they will remember me because I'm not just another ladies wear store; I specialize in the L.B.D. and only black and white separates.

I believe the L.B.D. can be 'nothing and everything'.
It's not about how much you spend, it's about feeling great, buying wearable clothes and putting a garment on that makes you say 'this is the one'. It gives me goose bumps when I hear it!

I also offer personal shopping by appointment for local women who work out of the area and are not able to shop in the small town environment because the stores are closed in the evenings. I like to offer them a chance to see what we have to offer locally before they take their shopping dollars elsewhere.

What's so great about basic black is that it will go with any colour that is new and trendy - no matter the season.

What kind of people (or businesses) are your customers?
Hopefully, they are like me!
I believe if you look good, you feel good and when you feel good, you look great!
People and fashion is my passion!

My customers are all ages and sized 4 - 16 who are looking for the classic, basic black and white or for a bit of fun and whimsy, pieces that stay in a woman's wardrobe for many years.

I can guess off the top of my head that approximately 80% of the women who walk into my shop are already wearing black.

What are your goals for your business in one year's time?
My goal is to attract shoppers from various areas - to bring them to downtown Paris for a unique shopping experience.
I'm unique and memorable; I stand out in a crowd.

What are your goals for the business five years from now?
Over the next five years, I hope to become known as the place to go to find the 'little black dress', whether it's for day or an occasion - and that's already happening! Who knows, I may become a 'little black dress' shop in the future.

Look around you, how many women are already wearing basic black?
Those same women are drawn to my shop and walk into their comfort zone.