Motherhood biz statement
[attach]1368[/attach]The birth of her child and her mother’s previous business experience inspired North Toronto resident Mary Inksater to become the new owner of Play ‘N Wear, a children’s clothing store.
Like her mother did before her, Inksater does double duty: she runs the biz while caring for her baby.
Inksater’s mum owned a gift and homeware store in Caledon called Green With Envy and an antique store called Pine and Patchwork.
At one time, her grandmother also owned a store, Granny’s Country Store.
“Growing up, I saw what it’s like,” Inksater said of the retail biz. “It’s a lot about customer service.”
Inksater said she learned through her mother’s experience how treat customers with courtesy. This, she said, creates an inviting atmosphere.
“It’s really customer service which comes to the way people are greeted and the way people are treated,” she said. “We just wanted it to be a real community place.”
The store, now located on Avenue Road at Fairlawn and St. Germain Avenues, was established 26 years ago by Cathy Cunningham, who is now retired. The shop carries new and used child clothing, books, and toys.
Inksater previously worked in marketing and public relations at a variety of companies in Toronto and London, England.
She said she took the opportunity to run the shop because she wanted a career change that was kid-friendly.
A friend of hers who was also a customer at Play ‘N Wear introduced Inksater to Cunningham, and the rest, as they say, was history.
Inksater said she also took the opportunity to buy the store because with a new baby, she needed the income stream.
“Definitely there was a need and kids grow so quickly. It can get quite expensive,” she said.
Inksater said there is a play area in the store where parents can leave their children while they shop.
She said people buy used child clothing because of the meaning behind them.
“Things people buy for your children share memories to pass on to others,” she said.