05
Jul
CLIENT Q & A |
PLENTY
The shop that started off locally in Kits now has locations all over the Lower-Mainland, including their newest store in Victoria. Known for their laid back philosophy and West Coast style, Plenty has paved the way for local Vancouver fashion with a list of curated international brands as well as their in-house labels such as Propaganda, Ribbon and Big Blue. We are super excited to now be working with Plenty and recently had the opportunity to chat with the team and learn a little more about them!
Your first store was opened in 1989 in Vancouver. Twenty-three years later, how do you keep the Plenty brand fresh and exciting?
We work hard to keep the plenty brand evolving. Although trends come and go, we try to stay true to what we love. It’s about your own individual style (vs fashion dictating your look) .
What do you love most about being a Vancouver-based company?
Although Vancouver isn’t necessarily known as a fashion capital of the world, it’s definitely getting there. It’s fun being part of the evolving fashion scene, and people may have a bone to pick with all the rain, but we just see it as another reason to add on some great layers!
What were some of the first/original brands that you chose to carry? How did those brands shape the Plenty that we know today?
We were one of the first stores to carry Seven For All Mankind denim before the premium denim trend hit it big. Before that, we carried Diesel and Miss Sixty which were the big trend setters at the time.
How has the core vision and direction of Plenty evolved since it started?
In the beginning, it was all about pioneering new brands and offering things that other stores did not. As time went on, Plenty became more about offering fashion that everyone could understand. Premium denim and premium brands were not number one on our customer’s list, and we are all about making them happy!
What is the selection process like when deciding which brands you’re going to carry in the stores?
There are so many brands out there but we try to pick lines that have something special to offer. We love finer details, great fabrics, and things you may not necessarily find in a big box store. We edit lines to suit our customers and are very open to feedback and suggestions.
How important is it for you to carry Canadian brands in Plenty stores? Do you have any favourite homegrown labels?
We definitely like to support Canadian lines! It’s funny how we’ll go to a trade show in the states and end up liking a line that turns out to be from Vancouver. This happened with Lifetime Collective and Gentle Fawn back in the day and we’ve carried these lines since then!
We picture your customers to be fun, youthful and fashion savvy. In your own words, who is the Plenty guy and girl?
That’s a pretty accurate description! Our customers are pretty varied, but they are all true to their own personal styles. They’re casual but polished, and always on top of what’s happening around the city - from food, fashion and music, they’re on it!
Being a Vancouver-based retailer, do you think you curate your stores to cater to a specific “West Coast Style”?
Definitely. “West Coast Style” is often thought of as casual and laid-back, and we have different brands that cater to that specific look. However, we are also happy to offer dressier options. Our stores themselves are brightly lit, colourful and open…and the staff are all super friendly.
How does local culture influence your retail atmosphere and environment? Do you ever work with local/Canadian artists?
We love being inspired by what’s around us. Our blog always features local musicians, art, and restaurants. Our staff are also involved in a lot of key things within the stores - from music to webitorial spreads on the blog, we love collaborating with creative minds.
With so many large retailers coming to Canada, how do you stay relevant in the boutique sphere? What makes the Plenty retail experience unique?
We pride ourselves on giving our customers a unique shopping experience combined with superior customer service. We offer pieces that will stay in your closet for many seasons, not just the one-wear trends. Plus, it’s always nice to stay within a budget, and we’re very price-conscious.
What inspires your design team to create fresh collections for your in-house labels Propaganda, Ribbon, Ribbon Luxe, Monk & Lou, and Big Blue?
Honestly, everything! Each collection is refreshed with inspiration from textiles, prints, colours, silhouettes and patterns that catch our eye. We are also influenced by what our customers ask for, and what we picture as classics from season to season.
What do you see as being the biggest style trend(s) this summer and leading in to Fall?
The asymmetrical hem trend for tops, dresses and skirts is a big look that is easy for everyone to pull off. Coloured denim will still be a a fun staple for fall in a new color palette - think shades of deep green, plum, nutmeg, and merlot.
Congratulations on the new Victoria location and the launch of your online store. Are there plans to expand stores elsewhere in B.C. and/or Canada?
Thank you! We’re always on the lookout for a location that will be the perfect fit for Plenty. We enjoy being part of a community, so we definitely take special consideration when it comes to expanding stores.
Where do you see Plenty in 10 years from now?
Hopefully we will have more stores across Canada, planting new roots in different neighbourhoods. We love what we do and would love to share that with as many people as possible.
Follow Plenty on Twitter: @getplenty
www.getplenty.com
