Fancy That - About Us
In the news...
- April 21, 1998: Owner Fancies Her Fourth Outlet
- April 26, 1999: Fundraising with Flair
- June 10, 2000: Fashion Proprietor Slows Down
- December 23, 2000: Holiday Sales Make Retailers Smile
- April 30, 2001: Annual Forget-Me-Not Luncheon
- May 6, 2003: Boys and Girls Club Needs Help
- October 21, 2004: Fancy That, An Honoured Entrepreneur
- April 12, 2006: Fashion Show Helps African Children
- October 25, 2006: Designing Women
The Fancy That Group, which is comprised of Fancy That, The Roundstone and Limestone & Ivy, had humble beginnings. In 1974, Inger Sparring-Barraclough opened Fancy That in Brockville, Ontario. At this tiny location (600 sq ft) she sold mostly shoes and accessories and what developed from this store was a passion for fashion!
Originally from Sweden, Inger and her three children came to Canada in 1973 and one year later the first Fancy That was opened. It is a little known fact that Inger not only sold fashions, but many of the antique fixtures that she used to show her merchandise. The public could not get enough of Inger's eye for style!
In 1979, Inger moved to Kingston and opened Fancy That in the Frontanac Mall where it remained a destination location for many until its closing in 1998.
In 1986, Maria, with the help of her mother, opened Fancy That at its current location at 48 Princess Street in downtown Kingston. In 1991, The Roundstone, Fancy That's sister store was opened in the Frontanac Mall a few doors down from the already established Fancy That. The Roundstone became known quickly for their more casual, classic and mature look.
In 1996, a few years before Inger and Maria had to make the decision about closing the Frontanac Mall locations because of changes within the Mall environment, the Roundstone opened beside Fancy That at 50 Princess Street.
Today, family is still an important part of the Fancy That Group with Inger's son, Dan Sparring, at the helm of the Brockville store, Limestone & Ivy, that carrys both footwear and clothing for men and women. Maria Cronk, Inger's daughter, is the operations manager for all three locations and bases her talents and skills out of the Kingston locations-Fancy That and the Roundstone. On any given day all three can found in their respective locations working hard to make sure that their family business continues to be successful.
At one time The Fancy That Group could be found in Peterborough, Belleville, Trenton, Smith Falls, Brockville and Kingston. Through trial and error, Inger, Maria and Dan settled on the three current locations that attracts many loyal customers, and each year a wave of tourists.
The Fancy That Group prides itself on their personal boutique atmosphere where customers feel at home and can work closely with our fashion consultants to develop a wardrobe for their individual needs. Although started as a boutique to bring European clothing to Canada, the stores now carry many Canadian, American and European lines that are all quality driven.
Hopefully if you ever visit any of our locations you too will be caught up in our continued mission to bring quality and style to our patrons and develop your own passion for FASHION!
Now in our 32nd year of business, The Fancy That Group has grown from one idea to three stores specializing in european clothing, stylish handbags and fashionable footwear. All three stores are uniquely their own and have each carved out a niche for themselves in every fashionista they have touched!