Linda Barr from Diane's Lingerie share's experiences about growing and succeeding in their retail business. View videos here>

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Diane Thomson,
Owner Diane’s Lingerie

When Diane Thomson opened Diane’s Lingerie and Loungewear Ltd. on South Granville in 1983, there were five other lingerie shops in the neighbourhood. Today, Diane is well recognized as the leader in her industry and her marketplace. Her newly renovated store, with 15 employees, carries over 7,000 bras, along with panties, sleepwear, camisoles, robes, bridal wear and after-surgery garments such as body wraps and breast forms. Entrepreneurs on the brink of growth can learn much from this woman who survived when the competition floundered.

Perhaps part of the reason for her success was her clarity of purpose. With years of experience as a lingerie buyer, Diane’s concern was that most women were wearing ill-fitting bras. She vowed that at her store, staff would take extra time to ensure each individual was expertly fitted and that every customer would leave the store feeling beautiful.

Diane’s focus is on providing specific markets with the exact products and services that make their lives easier. Staff trained and certified in prosthetic fittings care for the special needs of after-surgery patients. Brides find a full range of exquisite garments for their special day. On-line shopping keeps long-term relationships with loyal customers, wherever they may be living.

Diane’s strong commitment to BC/Yukon Chapter of the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation was a natural for her. Her generous involvement there has earned her the designation “Best Friend of the Foundation,” but Diane might say it’s another means of promoting the well-being of the community she knows best.

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