A clothing store specializing in hip hop fashion is poised to open in Red Deer’s downtown.
Elia Dominic plans to launch Get Fresh Clothing at Unit A, 4950 51st, on Wednesday. He believes it will help fill an under-served niche market in the city.
“The target for hip hop fashion is those who are under 25,” said Dominic, adding that his store will carry clothing for both sexes, including children.
Get Fresh Clothing will have other types of apparel as well, he said.
“You can’t just focus on one particular thing.”
Dominic plans to introduce different products on a trial basis in order to get a feel for the local market.
“I’m willing to take any requests of what people are looking for.”
His store will emphasize affordability, he said.
Despite being just 24, Dominic previously operated another Get Fresh Clothing store in Calgary.
He closed it with plans of reopening in bigger premises, but then moved to Red Deer early last year.
He is confident his new shop will succeed, and he hopes to re-establish the Get Fresh name in Calgary and open similar stores in Edmonton and Brooks down the road.
“I’m looking to expand my fashion throughout Alberta in the future.”
Born in Sudan, Dominic moved to Egypt at a young age and then immigrated to Canada in 1996. He earned a fashion-related diploma from Fleming College in Peterborough, Ont.
Although his dream has been to operate a clothing store, Dominic said he is also interested in design work.
Fashion is important, he said, because it influences how people feel about themselves.
“You have to feel good to look good,” he said.
Dominic hopes to organize a local fashion show in May. In the longer term, he would like to convince his sister — a hair stylist in Windsor, Ont. — to set up a complimentary business in his shop.
“The whole package is what I’m after here,” he said.
A carpet-cleaning business is another possibility for the future, he said.
hrichards@www.reddeeradvocate.com