Cathy Dobson
Another new boutique soon to open in downtown Sarnia will merge two retailers and mark the next step in Chris Yurchuk’s small business plan.
Yurchuk launched The Fitting Room two years ago, specializing in mastectomy bras and prosthesis, skin care products, hat, scarves and swimsuits.
The Fitting Room, with its quiet location on the fifth floor of the Royal LePage building on Christina, was a good place to build clientele who often saw her by private appointment, Yurchuk said.
Her commitment to providing practical support to cancer victims and survivors came from a very personal place. Yurchuk lost her mom, her father-in-law and then her brother-in-law to cancer prior to opening the business.
From the start, she strived to help women with lumpectomies and mastectomies feel better about their bodies.
“I’ve heard so many stories, received so many hugs,” she said. “It’s been amazing and I will continue with it. But I’ve also realized it’s a very niche business.”
Now it’s time for the business to cover more than the overhead.
“I need to start paying me,” said Yurchuk.
For several months, she explored ways to grow her customer base. At one point, she considered expanding into more health-related products.
Then a “no-brainer” opportunity came along.
Maureen Grandis, owner of Lilith Lingerie in Petrolia, decided to close her doors after 11 years and offered to sell the entire inventory to Yurchuk.
“Lilith carried mastectomy stock too and we had some of the same brands,” said Yurchuk. “I originally looked at just that but then realized the entire boutique is a perfect fit for me – no pun intended.”
She is already a certified mastectomy fitter and will be certified for all bra types in just a few weeks, in time for the opening. With inventory from The Fitting Room and Lilith’s, she is locating downtown at 178 N. Christina St., aiming for early April.
Since Yurchuk took over the lease, the interior of the former tattoo shop is unrecognizable with fresh lavender paint, new fitting rooms and the shelving and signage from Petrolia’s Lilith shop.
Yurchuk’s new venture is called Lilith Boutique although The Fitting Room logo will also be featured on the front window. As well as mastectomy products, she carries higher-end lingerie for all women in sizes petite to size K. Private consultations will continue to be available by appointment.
“This is more of a mature woman’s store,” she said. “It’s for women who understand what good structured lingerie does.”
Watch for the opening of the new Lilith Boutique (519-384-2880) at 178 N. Christina.
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Got an interesting business story? Contact Cathy Dobson at [email protected] or 226-932-0985.