Psst… have you heard about Virginia’s Secret Closet?

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 03/06/2021 (737 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Situated at 1829 Main St., Virginia’s Secret Closet is a North End diamond, waiting to be found.

Always on hand to help you choose “just the right” outfit, is proprietor Virginia Groshak.

Looking back over her 30 years of experience as a travelling salesperson and buyer, Groshak says she has made many international contacts in Italy, the Netherlands and various parts of Europe. Her shop, which displays many unusual and interesting items, also reflects her appreciation of good Canadian-made products.

With her friendly rapport, Groshak is happy to point out her favourites from straw hats and beach bags to slinky cruise outfits and easy-fitting tops and sportswear. Did I mention the awe-inspiring, custom-made jewelry?

The two-and-a-half-year-old shop, which opened just before COVID-19 arrived, is brimful with stuffed toys, unique leather wallets and change purses as well as a sensational array of handbags and well-crafted sandals. In fact, every corner offers another surprise.

Groshak invites me to check out the materials, which range from sleek and shiny to soft silks and natural linen. The tights made from bamboo cloth feel amazing.

Pleasant and talkative, Groshak invites people to pop in and look around. On display are lots of classic designs and it’s a sale day when I visit — 20 per cent and 60 per cent off selected merchandise.

Who doesn’t like a bargain?

Groshak is sure her “fun and funky” fashions, in sizes ranging from medium to 3X will appeal to women of all ages. She says, like all Winnipeg retailers, that it’s been difficult to stay afloat.

Just before the pandemic she had purchased lots of stock for a fashion show which was cancelled a day before it was to occur.

“I love my shop,” she confesses. Although she has one employee who helps handle floor sales, she often comes in on Sundays.

“People make my day,” she adds.

Masks are worn in the store and all COVID protocols are followed. A note at the front entrance says “Knock before you can be admitted.”

The personable shop owner, with three grown children living out of town, says she loves this North End area.

“There’s no other shop in the vicinity that highlights new and high-end dress wear. It’s also nice that you don’t have to travel far,” she says.

Virginia’s Secret Closet offers free parking. The boutique shares the lot with Don’s Photos next door. For more information call 204-955-7580.

Freda Glow is a community correspondent for the North End.