XX Files: Mackie Jones, The Towne Shoppe

Story And Photo By Ujjwal Sharma

MACKIE JONES Upgrading Local Fashion, One Label At A Time

At The Towne Shoppe in Amherstburg, you’ll find Toronto, Chicago and New York style clothing without the long drive or the high price tags, according to Owner Mackie Jones. “We carry unique lines and luxurious fashion, different than you might find at a chain or at the mall,” states Jones. “It’s for the shoppers who are looking for one-of-a-kind fashion!”

Located at 56 Richmond Street, The Towne Shoppe (TowneShoppe.ca) celebrates 50 years in business this year.

Jones took ownership of the company in February 2018, which offers a unique selection of clothing for men and women of all ages, children included.

“Street fashion is our main focus,” she stresses, adding men and women from their early twenties onward are their typical client base. “Our clients love unique pieces and timeless fashion!”

Inside the shoppe you will see well-known brands like DEX & BlackTape, Point Zero, Tommy Bahama, Under Armour, 7 For All Mankind and Good hYOUman. “But, more important than that, we carry clothes that will last and, as well, we provide a unique experience online,” she points out. At The Towne Shoppe, they offer fashions for every occasion, whether it’s a special night out, a trip to the gym or a fun night with friends.

Jones reveals big changes are on the horizon, including the addition of “Walk the Towne” in the adjacent building, to include a separate room for shoes.

Mackie Jones is photographed in the middle of some of her many displays at The Towne Shoppe in historic downtown Amherstburg.

However, now is a great time to check out her business.

“We still carry some legacy brands, but we’ve also introduced some new brands that you can’t find anywhere else,” she explains, adding she hopes her business can serve as an inspiration for new fashion trends. “We offer a range of prices and styles so there really is something for everyone.”

Their goal is to be inclusive in the way they model their clothes, who they partner with and how they operate the business.

“There is a place for everyone here and we want that message to be conveyed from the moment you walk in the store to how we represent ourselves online,” she declares. “We’re also hoping to change the way people think from ‘I need to go to the mall’ to

‘Let’s see what they have in Amherstburg.’” Jones says she’s lucky to work in a very female-dominated industry.

“Women benefit when we collaborate instead of seeing each other as competition,” she believes. “I feel very fortunate to be able to live my passion every day because it allows me to empower other women!”

She aims to make her customers feel beautiful and confident, whether in the dressing room picking out an outfit, or as a model for their social media pages.

“Because I love what I do, it never feels like work,” declares Jones.

With that being said, she feels the old adage, “You can’t pour from an empty cup,” holds true for any entrepreneur.

“Today, it’s important for me to start every day by making sure my cup is full and that starts with taking care of myself,” explains Jones, who starts her days early working out at the Garage Gym in Amherstburg to get in the right frame of mind.

In order to have a good work/life balance, she also makes it a point to be finished work at 6:30 p.m. so that she can spend time with family. As for advice for other female entrepreneurs, Jones comments that you don’t have to know all the answers.

“Mistakes help you learn, and they make you a stronger leader,” she expresses. “Remember mistakes are not fatal or final!” Sometimes the crazier the idea, the better it is, she mentions. And in terms of rivalry that may arise within the industry, Jones wraps up with: “Community is better than competition — so build your network!”

XX FILES