I asked Nancy how she sees her business – women’s fashion retail – generally; ‘how’s business?’ over the next quarter?
… amazing. Fashion industry has opened its thinking for ‘every woman’ – no lack of colour, style, variety. It’s all in-stock, in-style and in-fashion. There is no wrong! Sales are strong. And, the impact of Nordstrom’s on your business? Almost nil.
And over the next five years?
… continued specializing in Canadian and American brands (ie: Joseph Ribkoff, French Dressing, Brighton). We have a Thai sweater line, French hosiery. Our growth comes in two ways – customer service drives business for independents. Unlike the chains, we can support smaller fashion houses, present a unique assortment unlike what customers see in chain stores.
What qualities distinguish your preferred colleagues, collaborators and suppliers?
… to be treated the way I treat others. I want people who treat me the way I treat my customers.
What distinguishes you that causes people to choose Nancy Rosychuk and NV Fashions, why do they do business with you, why have they chosen you, over your competitors?
… our clientele of 4,500 feel welcomed but not pressured.
How would you describe your leadership or management style?
… loosey-goosey. How I run my life, my household, my business – I take care of the priorities, seek advice when needed, be informed – and then I’m going to do what I’ve already decided!
What do you lose sleep over, what do you worry about?
… not about my business. That I’ve already lost one son – so I worry about them all - Gary, my son, stepson, their wives, one grandchild and two cats.
Who or what influenced you most – that has made a difference in your life, or that was a major turning point?
… my mother – she managed a 10-person household on a starvation wage. She was innovative, kept things together. I had some control-freak ‘best bosses’; Huguette at Sears in Cornwall, Dee at Kuehne + Nagle – they taught me how to manage a large staff and keep things in control. And Adam ...
For fun?
… lunches with friends. Gary and I do long walks on weekends – Kananaskis, Banff, Fish Creek Park, Glenmore Reservoir. Toastmasters. Arts and crafts. I grew up making all my own clothes – I loved being unique.
What do you read?
… I used to read a lot, mysteries, trade publications - but I stopped when Adam died. Lately, I’ve started again. Gone Girl. The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks.
Her ride?
… 2011 Kia Soul.
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