O’Gradys opens at new location

Jan Westman and Jennifer Dungo show their new sitting area outside the changerooms at their new location.

By Wendy Lamond

Good things were taking place at 158 Queen St. on Monday with the opening of O’Gradys Clothing and Accessories at their new location.

The move has been in the works since last August when Stone Home Creatives owner Sue Griffiths decided to move her business to her home. O’Gradys owner Jennifer Dungo was very excited to move her clothing business to the larger space. Dungo told the Independent they have almost doubled in size.

The mother-daughter team of Dungo and mom Jan Westman, along with family, have had an extremely busy week. Their last day open at the previous location was on Saturday, March 8. Sunday was a full day of packing up the inventory and the movers came on Monday. The rest of the week was spent getting the new space ready for the public.

Being March break, Dungo was very happy her kids could come in and help make it a real family affair. There is an increased number of changerooms with one being six feet by six feet in size, making it accessible for wheelchair access. There is also lovely sitting space outside the changerooms for those waiting.

Dungo said many of their lines are Canadian including a new line called Charlie B based out of Montreal. The store also carries a line from artist Claire Desjardins, whose collection is wearable art that has been fashionably put on clothing.

The store has size inclusivity with sizes ranging from two to 24 and XS to XXL. The store is becoming more and more a destination spot as they have shoppers coming from Sarnia, Kitchener and Bayfield.

“I love getting to know the customers and some have become family,” Dungo said. “I love the fun that comes with it like a group of friends coming in and spending two hours just looking around, laughing and trying clothes on.”

The men’s clothing has been going over very well, and Dungo has increased inventory to include the Royal Robbins line.

There are still some Stone Home Creatives items available at O’Gradys like wax melts and their famous candles. Also, still there from Stone Home Creatives is the safe. Anyone who can crack the safe code could win a prize.

Dungo and Westman will continue to hold events at the store. On Friday March 28, there will be a French Dressing jeans fit clinic. The store will stay open until 6 p.m. that day when customers can be fit for jeans, capris, shorts and denim for spring and summer.

The mother-daughter duo still love working together.