Manon Fillon-Ashida
Edited by Lucy Kaskie
Holding a keen eye for curation and a vision for sustainable fashion, Alice Bond cultivates a niche for preloved designer clothes. A niche which encompasses her consignment store, Bazar Club Montreal.
Alice shares with us her journey and insights into the entrepreneurial world.You can find Bazar Club Montreal on Instagram at @bazarclubmtl or online https://bazarmtl.ca/en
Q: What inspired you to create Bazar Club Mtl?
A: I’ve always had an entrepreneurial spirit. After working in a corporate setting, I realized that wasn’t the path for me. My passion for high-quality, European fashion brands led me to notice a gap in the Canadian market for such items. It drove me to establish Bazar Club Mtl. I started with pop-ups and leveraged social media, continuously working to bridge the gap.
Q: How do you manage balancing pop-ups and an online presence?
A: It’s about growth and adaptation. While pop-ups have been great for physical engagement, building an online presence is crucial. Creative photoshoots and clear communication have been key to fostering an engaging client base across Canada.
Q: What brands do you typically feature at Bazar Club?
A: I usually select French brands, but I also curate pieces from Aritzia, Club Monaco, and & other stories. My personal favorite is Editorial on Sainte Catherine for their unique, colorful selections.
Q: You have an interesting background, growing up in Paris with a Swedish mother. How has this influenced your business?
A: My background gave me a love for European fashion, which is at the heart of Bazar Club’s identity. It’s this European-inspired style that I felt was missing in Montreal’s thrift stores. I wanted to fill that void.
Q: What was the biggest challenge you faced when starting your business?
A: Initially, sourcing was a challenge. In June 2023, I traveled to Paris to handpick items from thrift stores and le Marais which I brought back to Montreal.
Q: Is Montreal a good place to start a business?
A: Quebec’s economy thrives on small businesses, and the government programs available for entrepreneurs are incredibly supportive. It’s a community that fosters confidence and encourages consistent hard work. For example, I often collaborate with Nora from Belle&Pastelle to organize pop ups on Rue Prince-Arthur and in the Plateau during the summer.
Q: Do you see Bazar Club expanding into a physical retail space, or do you prefer the pop-up and online shopping models?
A: I like the versatility of pop-ups. They allow me to explore different neighborhoods and meet new clients. So at the moment I plan to continue this model: collaborating with stores and expanding our online presence.
Q: Running a business single-handedly must be demanding. How do you manage it all?
A: Organization is key. The pop-ups take place on weekends, which allows me to plan and work on social media during the week. It’s a lot, but I enjoy the creative aspect. I like collaborating with models and photographers.
Q: What has been the most challenging aspect of running Bazar Club?
A: Managing consignments can be tricky. There’s often a discrepancy between a client’s sentimental value of an item and its market resale value. It’s a delicate balance to maintain affordability while also covering business expenses.
Q: Would you recommend diving into entrepreneurship right after school?
A: Gaining experience through a company first can be incredibly beneficial. It’s important to learn the ropes and potentially find a mentor before venturing out on your own.
Q: Finally, any advice for future entrepreneurs?
A: Networking is key! Don’t underestimate the power of social media and the people’s willingness to give advice. Reach out, collaborate, and use every interaction as a learning opportunity.
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