Online Canadian Retailer Aims to Recreate In-Store Experience

A new Canadian e-commerce retailer is offering one-on-one personalized service, seeking to bridge the gap between online and brick-and-mortar by providing comprehensive online styling services. Created by entrepreneur Juliana Gallimore, the new Forty-Eight 10 site launched in Canada last week, and plans to expand internationally next year. 

Forty-Eight 10 carries a variety of contemporary designers, including names such as Vince, Rachel Zoe, Ted Baker, Rebecca Taylor, Elie Tahari, Zac Zac Posen and Halston Heritage. In the spring of 2017, the company is bringing on new brands such as Kate Spade and Victoria Beckham, according to Ms. Gallimore. She's also looking at several Canadian designers in an effort to support local businesses as well.

The company has partnered with fashion stylists throughout Canada, who will help online shoppers pick out the best looks to suit their busy lifestyles. Stylists create a profile for each client, constantly updating them on new product to suit their needs. With a styling background herself, Ms. Gallimore came up with a series of key questions that allow staff stylists to "virtually step into the client's closet" to gain an understanding of what she wears, morning-to-evening. Styling is an added bonus and is included in the price of the site's products. 

After its Canadian launch, Ms. Gallimore will look to expand Forty-Eight 10 into the United States, U.K. and Australia. That expansion is expected for the latter part of 2017, she said.

Canadian Retail News From Around The Web: September 26, 2016