Scoop Clothing Boutique announces closure in Fort St. John

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — Women’s boutique clothing store Scoop Clothing is shutting down as of the end of January, according to shop owner Paulette Flamond.

Scoop first opened its doors in September 2008, and has been a sponsor of public events and the Fort St. John Women’s Resource Society throughout its history.

In a statement posted on Facebook on November 28th, the 66-year-old Flamond described the announcement as “a sad day” while acknowledging the success of a consignment that began this fall.

She confirmed to Energeticcity.ca that, due to her dense schedule, it was time to “let things go” and pursue other endeavours.

Flamond also serves as Region 7 Director of the Metis Nation of British Columbia and sits on the board of ICBC, the province’s car insurance corporation.

“I just don’t have the energy like I did,” said Flamond. “There are fewer people shopping. We’ve noticed the last couple of years sales weren’t where we wanted them to be.”

“But we are hopeful someone will come and take over the consignment.  Thrift is a huge industry.”

Statistics from Statista suggest in 2023, the second-hand industry was estimated to be worth $197 billion US.

An entrepreneur at heart, Flamond’s passion for fashion and clothing stems from her humble beginnings in North Battleford, Saskatchewan. 

“Growing up impoverished, I’d walk by windows of stores and just admire all the beautiful things,” said Flamond.

“I’ve always had a desire to dress up. That’s how it started back in 1990 in my first store on White Avenue in Edmonton, when a friend approached me and asked, ‘What do you think about opening a store?’” 

Her 30-year career has seen her open boutiques in Alberta and travel to European countries to promote her brands.  

She has also collaborated with her husband, Garry Oker, who is also an Indigenous fashion designer.

Flamond says several offers to take over the store located at 9935 100th Avenue in Fort St. John have already come in, and she’s optimistic about transferring the oversight of the retail space.

“It’s been a real icon, 16 years in Fort St. John,” said Flamond. “That’s a long time. But the time has come where somebody younger needs to take the reins.”

While she hopes to end things up in December, Flamond says she’ll extend operations until at least the end of January if necessary.
More information about Scoop Clothing is available through the retailer’s Facebook page.