‘We both have a passion for fashion’

Liz Grimes and Ron Wittenberg meeting special occasion needs with recently opened Lizzy’s by Cathy Allan

A “passion for fashion” has led to a new addition for Liz Grimes and Ron Wittenberg.

Shortly before Christmas, the couple launched Lizzy’s by Cathy Allan, just a few doors down from Cathy Allan Ladieswear, the business Grimes started in 1998 and the conduit for how the couple first met several years ago.

“He was in selling me clothes,” Grimes said. “We both have a passion for fashion and we just really clicked.”

Cathy Allan was already successful, but changes made to operations during the COVID-19 pandemic, supported by Wittenberg’s extensive fashion and retail industry experience, saw significant growth. Taking advantage of government grants and programs to expand digitally had also given the business much broader marketplace exposure.

“It just grew exponentially because of the people who didn’t already know about us,” Grimes said. “We never stopped working. Even when we were home, we were talking to people, we were networking, we were watching webinars and seminars and re-evaluating.”

Wittenberg, who had still been working in Toronto, came on board full-time.

The biggest impact was in formal wear, with calls coming from all across the province.

“What we were offering online was only part of our vision, though,” Grimes said. “We didn’t want to just sell a dress. We wanted to offer the whole experience.”

In a way, the restrictions were a bit of a blessing.

“We already took great pride in customer service, but COVID took that to a whole different level,” said Grimes, noting that customers essentially had the “run of the store.” “And some people also felt safer going to a smaller community and getting that one-on-one service.”

When the restrictions lifted, there was a huge resurgence of special occasions: weddings, anniversaries, graduations.

“We started bringing in a lot of brand names and really getting out of the box,” Wittenberg said. “As a result, we outgrew the space at Cathy Allan … and we realized, we could do better.”

The couple were unable to find the perfect larger retail space, but then hit on the 104 Kent St. W. location which had, interestingly, been home to Don Lytle Men’s Wear for decades.

Six weeks after receiving the keys at the end of October, renovations wrapped up and Lizzy’s was stocked with prom, wedding, mother-of-the-bride and bridesmaid dresses, as well as accessories, including shoes and jewelry. The store carries sizes from 0 to 24, as well as “curvy styles,” with everything sold directly from the rack.

“Basically, if you try it on and it fits, you can take it home with you right away,” said Wittenberg, noting that it’s been quite the investment, but it was done in order to ensure that customers not only don’t have to wait for their order to be shipped, but also know right away exactly how it fits.

The business is open Monday to Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturdays from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Sundays from noon to 4 p.m. Appointments are highly recommended, as they afford staff the opportunity to get to build a relationship with the client beforehand; their likes and dislikes, ideas, sizes, even the “tone” of the event.

“This way, we can put extra care and attention into your appointment, and it gives us the opportunity to really personalize service,” Wittenberg said.

The store’s website is lizzys.ca. Call 705-324-5555 or email info@lizzys.ca. The shop also has pages on Instagram and Facebook.