New store offers custom made clothing for everyone

THUNDER BAY – Founded in March, Northern Soul Elegance is a locally-owned business providing all types of custom garments.

The store caters to people of all body shapes, builds and ages.

Xirui (Paul) Gu, the owner of the business, said they make garments based on the individual’s personal measurements and not a size frame.

“We only take custom orders. I think custom is the only way to go, to give the customer the best fit and to show off their personality,” he said.

At this time, Gu only takes reservations. However, he said the ideal time frame of operation will be from 9:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m., Monday to Saturday.

Gu worked as a part-time sales consultant for suits during his time in college.

“I came up with the idea to enrich people’s options. They now can find something that will work out for them.”

The mission of Northern Soul Elegance is to properly dress people for any occasion they are attending.

To achieve this mission, Gu has a number of solutions. His first solution is to bring the cost down for extreme personalized service.

“I find if you go to any store looking for a custom piece, the price is very high. But, in my store a custom suit service starts at $499 for the regular price.

“Bringing the cost down benefits most of the customers in Thunder Bay,” Gu said.

From his experience, if someone was looking for a custom suit, it would typically take about 45 days. But, at Northern Soul Elegance he can guarantee everything in 20 days.

“I think that’s the biggest advantage of my business, and it could solve a lot of problems.

“Some people will pay hundreds of dollars extra to rush the order. There’s no rush charge at all at Northern Soul Elegance,” Gu said.

The store will always provide a professional consultation, which will help to best suit the garment for the occasion.

“I consider the season the garment will be worn in.

“I would recommend two totally different fabrics for winter and summer,” he said.

“I recommend based on what will really suit the person. I’m not only basing it on my own eye or aesthetic. I offer colour analysis for people, too,” he said

“I use multiple colour swatches that contain four seasons of colour. I put them under their head and in front of their chest. We look in the mirror to show off the difference and to introduce how specific colours will work on them,” he said.

In Thunder Bay at the big market stores the choices are going to be blue, grey or black, he said.

“In here, I have thousands of fabrics you can choose from containing all the colours you can imagine.”

Gu has the option to customize the liner on the inside of the suit. It could be with a picture, he said.

“It makes the suit super memorable,” he said.

Gu strives to maintain a close relationship with his customers. At Northern Soul Elegance, customers get to work with a person and feel like more than just a number, he said.

“I provide all kinds of drinks like tea, coffee and soft drinks when customers are at my store.

“It’s a benefit to enhance the service experience.”

To make a reservation at Northern Soul Elegance, you can visit their website.