GORE BAY—Like a phoenix, Former Flame Boutique has made a fiery return to the downtown of Gore Bay and not without a few exciting changes. Local entrepreneur Kristy Carleton, who also owns and operates Buttercup Ice Creamery and Candy Store in Kagawong, has reopened her small thrift-based business at 43 Meredith Street, right next door to the old location.
“The idea had been on my mind for some time,” said Ms. Carleton. “I’ve received so much positive feedback over the years since I closed, and the number one question has been if I’ll open again. So, I was casually looking for a space that would work well and noticed that this one was still available.”
At the time, the new location still contained the leftovers of office life; partition walls and a separated room, but even the tired carpet couldn’t keep Ms. Carleton from seeing its potential as a chic new spot. Before long and with some colour, an assortment of racks, displays and mirrors in which to admire your new scarf, the space was transformed into something fun and fresh. After all, there isn’t much that a little love, can of paint and some help from friends can’t do.
“It took some time to get everything together, but I absolutely love the new space and am happy to be here to once again serve Manitoulin,” Ms. Carleton expressed. “I had a very successful soft opening late May (24) and there’s been a steady stream of folks coming in and dropping off which is great.”
One of the changes at Former Flame will be how intake of clothing is handled. According to Ms. Carleton the administrative load of consignment for low-priced items was burdensome and created real challenges in keeping things running smoothly, especially when thousands of items come through in a season. She explained that clothing will now be accepted either as a donation, in which you will receive a coupon for 20 percent off your next purchase, or for more valuable items (at the business’ discretion), an in-store credit or direct buyout based on a similar value to what you would have earned through consignment.
“It’s really a win-win situation. As opposed to waiting for things to be processed, put out and sold, which could take a month or more, you can now just receive something right away,” Ms. Carleton explained.
The store boasts an eclectic array of women’s and men’s clothing, jackets, shoes and accessories including jewellery and watches, as well as two accessible friendly change rooms. Casual drop-offs of gently used items (no stains, holes, pilling, etc.) are being accepted for light amounts (one or two bags) and can be brought in during open hours. Those with a large quantity of items can message the store directly through their Facebook page to schedule an appointment.
To celebrate their return, Former Flame will be hosting a grand opening on Saturday, July 5 with a discount offer, snacks and door prize.
At the end of the day, thrifting is not only a cost-effective way to find different clothing or express your personality, but also a sustainable choice that helps reduce waste and support the sharing and conserving of resources.
Former Flame Boutique is currently open Tuesday through Saturday from 11 am to 4:30 pm and will be expanding to seven days a week for the summer. For more information visit formerflame.ca.
