A New West resident is taking fashion on the road throughout the Lower Mainland.
Meghan Currie, a former dental hygienist, launched the Vancouver Fashion Truck at the beginning of March, transforming a former newspaper delivery truck into a mobile fashion boutique with a “shabby beach chic” vibe. Greta, as the truck has been named, will be making the rounds at festivals, pop-up events and home parties in the Lower Mainland.
The Record had a chance to chat with Currie about her fashionable business endeavour, which includes online sales at www.vancouverfashiontruck.com.
1. How did this idea come about?
I managed a clothing store for five years. I always knew that I wanted to do my own thing. I had that kind of entrepreneurial drive. I felt like I ran the store without owning it. It was actually at Sapperton Days that I went into Little Bean and Co., they carry baby and toddler clothes in a little trailer. I walked in there and thought it was the coolest thing ever. I was like, “hmmmm, this would be so much fun.” I like the buzz. I thought, wouldn’t it be cool to drive around and go to events, experience the buzz of the event, being mobile, kind of doing retail differently because retail is getting pretty challenging these days to be a success.
2. What kind of clothing do you carry?
All my clothing is from L.A. I went in January on a buying trip and bought all my clothing from suppliers in L.A. The reason I am doing that is because I have noticed a lot of the local boutiques in the Lower Mainland seem to end up carrying the same stuff because they are all buying from the same suppliers, so I wanted to bring in some new stuff. That’s why I have designs you won’t see anywhere else, at pretty good price points, great quality. It’s unfortunate, but when you open yourself up to buying in the U.S. you have way more options. I’m focusing on made-in-U.S.A. stuff as well
3. What’s it like driving around in that big 24-foot long truck?
The first time I sat behind the wheel, it was extremely intimidating and I didn’t know if I could do it. But this is all about facing my fears and being brave, so each time I get behind the wheel it feels more comfortable. Now I feel like a fashionable truck driver.
4. Other than festivals and pop-up events, where else can people find the Vancouver Fashion Truck?
I also focus on private shopping parties. I actually drive to someone’s house. They have some girlfriends over and then they can shop the truck. It’s kind of like a Tupperware party but it’s in my truck and it’s for clothing. It’s a really fun thing to do with girlfriends.
5. What style of clothing do you carry?
I would say it’s trendy, comfortable and stylish. My typical client is 20 to 45. It’s kind of trendy fashions that will last many seasons. I get new stock in every week. Because I am in a truck, my storefront is small and I have a really quick turn over so I am constantly getting in new stuff, which is pretty exciting.
