: ‘Page 12A Wednesday, May 15, 1991 Ely's eer & ift Shop ‘Sun staff ’ Residents of major metropolitan centres would probably laugh out loud if you were to tell them that Castlegar is a better place to shop. But after they had picked themselves off the ground, you ‘would calmly inform them that ‘Castlegar merchants really do care about their customers, They take the time to get to know their clients, enabling ‘them to provide a one-on-one service that is unparalleled in places like Vancouver, Calgary or Spokane, A good example of this is Ely’ 8 Boutique & Gift Shop, ‘where proprietor Ely Santos is celebrating her 11th anniver- Sary. Ely likes to provide a hands- on service for her clients, she takes an active interest in assist- ing them with their selections making sure that the. color and style of the garment matches nicely with the individual's hair, eyes and figure, That approach is appreciated by her clients, when Ely is away on a buying trip they will often wait for her retum before mak- ing p at the iq place for the casual shopper, Ely takes special care in assuring that she has a large inventory of dresses and accessories for all women, “We try to ensure that we have something for everyone,” she notes. ‘Sometimes you are bling on a buying trip, but Over the past 11 years, start- ing at the original location on 4th St. and now at 295 Columbia Ave., Ely has devel- oped a strong rapport with her clientele. In fact, on buying trips she often finds herself examining items and thinking about how they will look on specific clients, Having served most of her clients for many years, Ely has come to know their likes and dislikes, the styles that best suit them and even the price range they are shopping for. That doesn’t mean that Ely’s Boutique & Gift Shop isn’t a Papi lle on Happy 11* Anniversary to ELYS BOUTIQUE Best Wishes from Papillon Eastern Imports Lid Vancouver, B.C. most of the time I see merchan- dise and I know right away that it will sell. That comes with experience, and I know who can wear them and who can’t wear them.” Ely’s experience can save her clients a lot of time as well, her keen eye for fashion allows her to find just the right garment for every individual, even if it is their first time in the store. “When a person comes in looking for a dress, I know right away what kind of dress. will suit her,” said Ely. “Sometimes, when our clients choose a dress they will go by the color or the style, but it won't suit their fig- ures. So, I will try to help them because I know what style will suit them.” One of the nicer aspects of Ely’s Boutique & Gift Shop ‘is that they offer more than just ladies’ and children’s dresses, they also have a full array of accessories. : Many of the accessories are brought in from around the world, such as jewellery from Tibet and Peru. Having a full selection of garments and accessories, in every price range, has been a big part of the success of Ely’s Boutique & Gift Shop but the teal key has been hard work, When the doors are locked and her customers are at home with their families, or enjoying a night out, Ely can often be found working untold hours preparing stock and selecting merchandise. “The key at success in busi- ness is in working hard and in making a commitment to my customers,” said Ely. “I work six days a week and often I am tired, but 1 am satisfied at the end of the day because I. was able to talk to people and they like my dresses. The happiest thing for me is when I sell clothes and my customers come back and tell me that they got lots of compliments on their dress. I am happiest when.I please them.” A strong support system is also vital to the success of Ely’s Boutique and Gift Shop. )“The key instrument to my success in business has been my husband. My dear husband, Pec, is always helping me in whatev- er Ido.” 50* OFF - Winter Sweaters - Limited Quantity 25* OFF - Prom Gowns e Just In - Mother of Bride or Groom Dresses @ Beaded Clothing Is Our Specialty Spring Jackets e Peasant Skirts e 2-Piece Embroidered Dresses MUCH MORE Lingerie e Silk Blouses 7 e Hand Crochet Blouses For the Children (3 mos. - Size 14) Dresses, Bathing Suits, Boy's Dress Shirts & Pants ACCESSORIES Earring from Peru, Phillipines, Tibet Eel Skin Wallets © Scarves © Jewellery FOR THE HOME Wicker Items, Hi © You'll find the perfect grad or wedding gift ELYS BOUTIQUE 295 Columbia Ave. SeB2as2 Where you'll always find untque hand. crocheted & ~ embrotdered fashions! ait PER NSSS Manufacturer of Ladies Wear wishes HAPPY ANNIVERSARY to ELYS BOUTIQUE . We are proud to be one of your suppliers ! CARLA JONE Inc. Montreal - Quebec CONGRATULATIONS BLS BOUTIQUE We. wish: you many more years ‘of success. ee “TRIBAL SPORTSWEAR Inc, Montreal, (Que. ” Ely's Boutique & Gift Shop has been a fixture in Castlegar for 11 years. Proprietor Ely Santos, pictured above, takes special care in ensuring that her customers have a * wide selection of garments and accessories to choose from. WISHIAG ELIZS | BOUTIQUE | | CONTINUED | SUCCESS IM THE - COMING YEARS “FROM i “wy EB rhe SBotleer Sun ATS SNe ee ra SLE G Ce Silver oy Days takes to the Streets — Hundreds of enthusiastic spectators lined the streets of Trail last Saturday morning to take in the Silver City Days opening parade. Floats representing Trail, Castlegar, Rossland, Warfield, and other communities including Colville highlighted the impressive display by various local organizations. Acting Mayor, Marilyn Matheison Participated i in the parade on behalf of the City of Castlegar. Castlegar. Queen,Tracy Carr, surrounded by her princesses: Laurel Closkey, Grace Medeiros, Kim Chernenkoff, Kirstein Mason, Nora Johnson, Lesa Draper, and 1990 Princess Trena Baker enhanced the Castlegar float, that along with the entry from Colville is being considered as the first place float in the parade. pe iy Photos by Frank Isernia fs PES a SENT ETE ENE ATE