Bargains galore at Treasures by Diva

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 16/07/2018 (3001 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

 

I often meet courageous women in my travels. 

 

When Annette Harrison, 68, arrived in Winnipeg 25 years ago from Thompson, Manitoba she was bankrupt but determined to start over.  

The owner of Treasures by Diva at 1853 Main St. at Burrin Avenue is now at a good place in her life.  

“Now my aim is to make people happy,” she says.

Bargain hunters will be delighted with her shop, crammed full of assorted clothing and goods. If you’re searching for that special something you can’t live without, this is surely the place. Harrison’s sunny attitude will help you keep digging.

She’s confident you’ll find it if you just keep looking.

For example, she has a sparkling array of party dresses and ensembles for the mother-of-the bride. Some are on consignment and others still have sales tags attached.

Many items are gently used and are amazingly stylish — even spectacular. All are neatly hung and spotless.

There are also loads of shoes, handbags, a red Danier leather coat (never worn), and look at the scads of vintage clothing. They will take your breath away. Is that silk? Kid leather? Look at that amazing antique mirror!

Shop for assorted styles in jeans, activewear, kid’s clothing and ladies’ undergarments. Harrison encourages you to browse at your leisure. “

We’re a lot different than other shops because we bargain, trade or barter,” she says.

Harrison insists her prices are lower than those of other thrift shops, and her pride in her shop’s merchandise is evident. And why not?

Much of it has been carefully chosen with a keen eye for value and style. Whenever possible, she seeks out name brands. She also wants people to know that everything she sells is fresh, clean and in good order.

Harrison who is Indigenous and speaks Cree, has operated several businesses in other city areas over the past 20 years but she believes her Main Street location, where she has been operating for two years, is the best for her “high end” merchandise.

The experienced entrepreneur enjoys meeting and greeting new people but joyfully welcomes “old customers.”                 

 The mother of six adult children is presently bringing up two grandchildren in the premises over her shop.  She says she is always available to buyers who cannot drop in during regular business hours.

Summer hours at Treasures by Diva are noon to 6 p.m., Mon. to Sat. For information call 204-869-3467.

 

Freda Glow is a community correspondent for the North End.