Introducing: Joe Fresh, Mr. Joe Mimran’s first stand-alone store in Toronto

By Fraser Abe | November 4, 2011

By Fraser Abe | 11/04/2011

The place: When the strip west of Queen and Portland burned down nearly three years ago, rumours swirled about what retail outlet would take its place. Of course, a mixed-use development popped up, and yet another of the city’s woefully unattractive condo developments was born (ahem, Bohemian Embassy). Though the exterior is an eyesore, Joe Fresh, an even-cheaper-than-H&M store, is a boon to all those that had to schlep all the way to Joe’s other huge location on Lake Shore.

The stuff: With winter fast approaching, there are plenty of coats to be had, like a faux-shearling and faux-suede black bomber ($69), a down-filled coat that shines like polyester ($99) and a faux-shearling and faux-leather vest ($49). The coats aren’t Joe’s best, save for one duffle with oversized Buffalo check in cream, white and black. Joe has holiday-season fashion nailed, though, with fringed black miniskirts ($39), black sheath dresses in textured fabric ($49) and sequined skirts ($39), all of which can be accented with the unbelievably cheap tights ($6–$8) in every colour and print imaginable. There’s stuff for guys here, too, like the never-out-of-style oxford shirts ($39) in white and pale blue, cashmere V-necks in muted colours (there are two kinds of grey and two kinds of beige) or more vibrant ones, like eggplant, kelly green and peach. We didn’t love the whiskering on the faded grey jeans ($39), but their heavier-weight denim in deep blue is an absolute bargain (also $39).

The shoppers: Joe Fresh devotees (there are many—their fashion week show was the most well attended all week), Queen Westers and ladies tired of seeing their very expensive dresses on seven other girls at the party (though we expect the same will happen this holiday season, but you only paid next to nothing, so what does it matter?). Joe even promises to bring their runway looks to the store, so those that coveted this season’s collection will be in luck come spring.

Our favourite things: The shoes are spot on, like women’s shiny, golden brogues that look like Doc Martens meets Duckie Brown ($79), booties appropriate for the harsh Canadian winter that look like hiking boots with a menacing heel ($79) and men’s Sorel-type boots ($69) that could go from shovelling snow to shovelling food at some unmistakably hip resto-bistro-speakeasy. We also loved the Fair Isle sweater with a reindeer ($69) and the stocking stuffer–appropriate fleece hats, scarves and gloves ($9 for a set), men’s Ts ($5–$6), and sunglasses ($14–$19).

Take a look inside Joe Fresh’s newest Toronto store »

SHOW CAPTION

RETURN TO ARTICLE

Hi,

I’ve been a Joe Fresh FAN customers since the beginning & have been very frustrated with there designs of late.
Using skinny model, forgetting their vision of selling to normal 30 years old woman who do not want to shop in retail malls . If wanted design clothes i would go shop at H&M….but have no time to do so…

How To Achieve More Sales and Repeat Customers

When customers are satisfied with the products you sell and happy with the kind of service you provide, it certainly follows that they will come back for more, and your sales will definitely increase. Repeat customers are also good referrals for you. Word of mouth does go a long way and your business will benefit greatly from it. Focusing your attention more on what the customer wants rather than how much sales you expect to benefit from a transaction is a factor well worth considering. By getting into your customer’s mind, you will understand what it is exactly that he is looking for, and you can fill that need, which goes to say that you are building up your sales even when you are thinking of your customer first.

Here are some suggestions on attracting clients, keeping them, and keeping your sales up.

Your products must possess a standard of quality and BASIC REPEATS that will attract and keep your customers satisfied and coming back for more. Again, it is important to consider the needs of your client first and foremost. Try to sell what they want with good fits they can rely on to buy rather than having to push them to purchase what you want to sell. Understanding your customer’s needs is a key element in not only retaining your clients but increasing your profits as well.

It is normal to be very concerned about how much profits we are making and how our business is flourishing, but it is equally important to take good care of our clients as well. Without them, there would really be no business to speak of. Some people come up with really good products at the start, impressing their clients, so much so that these customers do come back for more. All of a sudden, products and services are not as good as the first time. Maintain your standard of quality & FITS at all times. Now i buy at discount $20.00 when before i used to buy for 100$ week. Don’t be a one shot deal kind of brand. You will lose greatly if your valued and loyal customers lose their interest in you, so keep them coming back, trusting that you will always give them the best, anytime, every time!

5 thoughts on “Introducing: Joe Fresh, Mr. Joe Mimran’s first stand-alone store in Toronto”

Bob says:

November 5, 2011 at 12:07 am

The Lakeshore location is far from huge. I don’t know if the writer has ever been, but given TL’s recent review of Toronto’s “top 5 Korean restaurants”, I’m pretty sure that doing research before writing is about as uncool at Toronto Life as Joe Fresh opening a store at uber hip Queen and Portland.
Havingalook2 says:

November 9, 2011 at 8:36 am

There is a stand alone Joe at Victoria Park Ave & St. Clair Ave. East – has been there for some time now. Anyone venture past Yonge Street in this city?
Coleen Roman says:

November 9, 2011 at 8:52 am

The new store is great but I still find it easier to zip down Jarvis rather than schlep over to Spadina. Parking is better too.
mary m says:

November 9, 2011 at 10:30 am

I believe that there is already a stand-alone Joe Fresh store at Eglinton Avenue, corner of Victoria Park.
anais allain says:

December 30, 2011 at 12:33 am

Hi,

I’ve been a Joe Fresh FAN customers since the beginning & have been very frustrated with there designs of late.
Using skinny model, forgetting their vision of selling to normal 30 years old woman who do not want to shop in retail malls . If wanted design clothes i would go shop at H&M….but have no time to do so…

How To Achieve More Sales and Repeat Customers

When customers are satisfied with the products you sell and happy with the kind of service you provide, it certainly follows that they will come back for more, and your sales will definitely increase. Repeat customers are also good referrals for you. Word of mouth does go a long way and your business will benefit greatly from it. Focusing your attention more on what the customer wants rather than how much sales you expect to benefit from a transaction is a factor well worth considering. By getting into your customer’s mind, you will understand what it is exactly that he is looking for, and you can fill that need, which goes to say that you are building up your sales even when you are thinking of your customer first.

Here are some suggestions on attracting clients, keeping them, and keeping your sales up.

Your products must possess a standard of quality and BASIC REPEATS that will attract and keep your customers satisfied and coming back for more. Again, it is important to consider the needs of your client first and foremost. Try to sell what they want with good fits they can rely on to buy rather than having to push them to purchase what you want to sell. Understanding your customer’s needs is a key element in not only retaining your clients but increasing your profits as well.

It is normal to be very concerned about how much profits we are making and how our business is flourishing, but it is equally important to take good care of our clients as well. Without them, there would really be no business to speak of. Some people come up with really good products at the start, impressing their clients, so much so that these customers do come back for more. All of a sudden, products and services are not as good as the first time. Maintain your standard of quality & FITS at all times. Now i buy at discount $20.00 when before i used to buy for 100$ week. Don’t be a one shot deal kind of brand. You will lose greatly if your valued and loyal customers lose their interest in you, so keep them coming back, trusting that you will always give them the best, anytime, every time!