Myrna Varty and owner Bonnie Harry
showcase the beautiful fashions throughout the store.
LISA SYGUTEK
Pass Herald Reporter
Bonnie’s Fashions has hit a milestone in the community celebrating 20 years of serving the public with their fashion needs.
Bonnie Harry, owner and operator, started her own business in 1993 with Bonnie’s Shoes, which was located in the former Crowsnest Pass Mall.
In the spring of 1996 two local clothing stores closed their businesses. According to Harry, “I knew I wouldn’t be able to sell shoes without a ladies’ wear store in town”. From that mindset Harry opened Bonnie’s Fashions on main street Blairmore on August 1, 1996.
Bonnie’s offers a full range selection from lingerie, undergarments, scarves, purses, jewelry, hats, shoes and clothes. She is proud to offer ‘head to toe’ apparel.
Bonnie’s name brand clothing includes Joseph Ribkoff and French Dressing, which she has since opening, including Spanner, Lana Lee, Jag, Simon Chang and Nygard.
“I feel best when someone comes in for a special occasion and we can dress them for the entire event. We offer one stop shopping”, notes Harry. “I feel really great when customers leave our store with a smile on their faces having had a great shopping experience”.
Bonnie’s Fashions has also been a huge contributor to local charities and organizations. In 2012 alone Bonnie contributed to the following organizations: CNP Figure Skating Club, Women’s Resource Centre, CNP Food Bank, Nippon Institute, Ducks Unlimited, Trade Fair, Sparwood Golf League, Big Brothers and Sisters, Stewart Schlender Slowpitch, CNP Museum, Hillcrest Fish and Game, Holy Trinity Catholic Parish, Darcy’s Nature Walk, Slave Lake Fire Victims, Bill Fukami Golf Tournament, Show and Shine, Coleman Country Market, CNP Ladies Golf League, Lundbreck Toy Run, Pinkest Little Town, and Bunny Bonspiel.
Bonnie’s also has fashion shows for her customers and trunk shows that showcase the merchandise. According to Bonnie, “it’s a lovely day spent looking at new fashions and socializing with peers”.
As an added expansion to her business Harry decided to take over the Work and Play franchise in October of 2010.
Work ‘n Play offers a variety of work and dress clothing for both men and women. For the worker they offer CAT, Wolverine, Columbia, Carhartt, Work King, Tough Duck, Helly Hanson, Wranglers, Levi’s and MWG.
A big seller is CSA approved work boots for both men and women.
If it’s more fun you are after, Work ‘n Play offers their clients a selection from Powder Room, Bench, Quiksilver, Roxy, Ripzone, Silver Jeans, Point Zero, Papillion, swim suits and board shorts.
Bonnie’s is thrilled with loyal customers who have faithfully shopped in her store for the past 20 years. “The best feeling is when someone says thank you as they are walking out the door because we made their day just a little bit brighter”.
Customer Service and loyal staff have been an earmark of Bonnie’s Fashion and Work ‘n Play. “We’ve really concentrated on customer service and satisfaction and I think that is what has helped us to be successful in developing our business”. According to Harry, “personalized good service is our hallmark”.
Bonnie’s Fashions and Work ‘n Play is located on main street Blairmore with huge saving on their spring and summer selection. The fall line of clothing is starting to arrive so head on over to the store for your ‘head to toe’ apparel and while you are there, congratulate them for 20 years of continued business in the Crowsnest Pass.
