If you are an online shopper, you might already e-stalk Ego Closet, the edgy Vancouver-based web store of friends Amy Moon and Jade Kim. Eschewing the mainstream styles, their 17-month-old brick and mortar at 315 W. Cordova is lined with hard-to-find labels, a bit of South Korean daring and all the leopard print one season can handle drawing you in without that designer price tag. Ego Closet is taking part of the Gastown Shop Hop Nov. 15 from 5 to 9pm.
With a successful online business, what drew you to open a store at all?
When we started our online store, we were actually more popular outside Canada, but as a Canadian company, we felt it was important to get to know our Canadian customers. Also, we love interacting with people face-to-face.
What makes you stand out amongst all the other great stores in the Gastown area?
Our combination of pieces from North America, Europe and Asia brings our store a fashion-forward, international flare which is pretty unique compared to the local stores. We also cater to a variety of different clientele, from the effortlessly chic West Coast gal to the someone who likes to be decked to the nines.
What is your favourite décor element in your store?
Right now were sharing a space with Ric Yuenn and he has a lot of vintage furniture such as chairs and lamps which we just adore.
Whats in stock for Fall?
Ark & Co. has some amazing dresses and Flying Monkey Jeans. Also, style-wise, we love high-low flowy dresses, cut-outs and studded pieces.
Describe your personal style?
Amy : Id say feminine chic. Im simple but I like to mix contrasting textures and patterns.
Jade : Im more of more of a risk taker so I like things that are a little bit edgy but still wearable.
Did the two of you move here together?
We actually met at school back in 2005 here in Vancouver. We hit it off right away and since then weve been inseparable! Our personalities really complement each other, otherwise we wouldnt be able to work together every day.
What are some differences youve noticed between retail in South Korea and Vancouver?
The retail world in Korea is pretty intense. They have huge wholesale night markets in Seoul and shop owners work all day and night because they have to go night market to buy stock but also run their shops during the day.
Did coming to Vancouver from an Asian country give you an advantage?
The advantage would be that were used to seeing fashion in Asia, which wed have to say is sometimes a little more forward-thinking and daring. It was easy for us to combine that kind style with something our western customers are familiar with, and, at the same time, create a unique image for our store. It also allows us to be on top of new trends from Korea and Asia before they become popular here.
The disadvantage would be the language barrier to interact with customers, and the copywriting of our [online] products at times, but weve gotten some help since we started.
What is the best shopping district in Seoul?
The Hong Dae University Area which is a lot like Gastown with lots of unique little shops all over the area. Its also the art district so you can find lot of craft items and interesting things.
Ego Closet is offering WE Vancouver readers an exclusive online promo code for 15% off purchases on EgoCloset.com, valid until Nov. 15. Just enter WESTENDER at checkout.
