Were It All Began
Tim Simpson is formally from Kitchener and was introduce to Port Elgin as a young boy by his parents. Tim got involved working as a manager for a local clothing store of the time, My Jeneration. Having finesse with fashion and customer service, Tim found his passion would soon become his career. He later opened a store in partnership with his sister under the name “Thread n Fashion”. At around the same time Tim married his high sweetheart from Kitchener, Betty, and in four years they had 3 children, Jason, Melissa and Jessica.
Casual Corners is a partnership that was created by Tim and Betty Simpson. Betty has always had an eye for fashion and design. Keeping with up to date trends, Betty always brings a fresh approach to any of the businesses that they decide to create. “Changing with the times is the key” Betty explains. “If you’re not always re-inventing yourself you’ll just become old and stale”.
Changes have included many of the successful businesses that have branched off from Casual Corners. These businesses include two locations in Sauble Beach, Longboard Woody’s Surf Shop and The Garage Clothing Company. They also have extended their “Surf Business” in Southampton in 2007. Lastly, Simpsons Fine Clothing was established 2000.
Longboard Woody’s caters to those who enjoy the beach and the lifestyle that goes along with it. Offering name brand clothing such as Roxy, Billabong, Ripcurl, Local Motion, HIC and so many others you’re sure to find something that will satisfy your inner “beach bum”. If you’re more of a “fancy pants” and enjoy denim and trendy knits, The Garage Clothing Company is the store for you. Always on top of the latest “must haves”. This store also offers a wide arrange of the top designer denim. From Sevens, to Mavi, The Garage caters to every budget.
Simpsons Fine Clothing is located across the street from Casual Corners downtown Port Elgin. Simpsons markets to the hip 25 plus customer. Simpsons offers clothing that fits the more curvaceous body of a grown women and stylish needs of a well dressed man. Simpsons offers everything from casual wear to semi formal attire. The store was created as a spin off of Casual Corners. The idea was to create something for both men and women that wanted the up-to-the-minute looks of today. Keeping in mind that not every women or man has a junior body the buying has been catered to those specifics. This store offers many of the staples that everyone needs to build a fabulous wardrobe. Keeping up with unique novelty pieces really makes this store something special.
The five locations employ over 14 staff all year round along with an additional 25 during the summer.
Many staff members have been with the store for a long time. Karen Lauer, who works at Simpsons, has been with the stores for over 10 years now. She’s been a great asset, and with her extensive experience within the business, she offers a knowledgeable approach with outstanding customer service and creative merchandising. Wendy Sinclair, who worked for the company for 15 years, has been a part of all the major changes and although she is now “retired” you see her every once in a while helping out when needed. Cheryl Stanley started out with Casual Corners when she was just 16, and the store was called “Threads n Fashions”. People love her wonderful sense of fashion and her sense of humour. You can always count on looking like a million bucks when Cheryl gets her hands on you.
Many of the young women and men that have worked with us deserve a great big thank you. It is because all your help through the 30 years of business that we still enjoy being a part of the Saugeen Shores/Sauble Beach community. Many of our original employees have their children wing for us today.
It is also to our most valuable customers that we send our gratitude. It is you who dictate who we are today and where we are going tomorrow, we thank you for your continued support.