If you’ve been part of our Creative Muse community for a while, you know we’re not just another clothing brand. We’re an independent, proudly Canadian company led by a fiercely creative daughter-and-mother duo, on a mission to bring you whimsical, bold, and utterly fabulous fashion that stands out in a sea of sameness.
The past few years have been a wild, wonderful ride—curating standout collections for style-savvy gals like you has been the most rewarding (and let’s be real, the most fun!) part of running this little business. There’s nothing better than seeing our customers light up when they find that perfect, funky, joy-sparking piece. But if there’s one thing independent entrepreneurs across Canada can agree on, it’s that running a business lately has been no walk in the park. The ups and downs have been relentless, and keeping things afloat in this economy has been tougher than ever.
Why We’re Closing Our Physical Store
At the end of this month, we’re saying goodbye to our physical store—not because we want to, but because the economic landscape has made it next to impossible to keep the doors open.
Here’s the reality:
- The economy is wobbly, and with inflation squeezing everyone’s wallets, fewer people have the disposable income to indulge in fashion (even when it’s as fabulous as ours!).
- Commercial landlords don’t seem too concerned about keeping rent in line with economic realities, making it tough for indie retailers to survive.
- Sales are down across the board, not just for us, but for countless independent boutiques trying to weather the storm.
- The uncertainty around potential 25% tariffs in the U.S. has us (and many other Canadian retailers) on edge—if those go through, it’ll be nearly impossible for us to keep bringing in the styles you love.
- The Canadian dollar is, well… not exactly thriving, making it harder for us to source our signature statement pieces.
- And if a full-blown trade war erupts, will our American customers still be able to shop with us? We just don’t know.
These aren’t just our struggles. Independent businesses across Canada are feeling the heat, and many are quietly disappearing. But here’s the thing: where you choose to shop has power.
Why Shopping Canadian Matters
Every time you buy from a small, independent Canadian business, you’re keeping real people—dreamers, creators, and entrepreneurs—going. You’re helping us survive the economic chaos and keep bringing you the styles that make your wardrobe (and your life) more fun.
Sure, it’s easy to grab something off the rack at a big American chain in the mall, but those dollars? They’re heading straight out of the country. When you shop Canadian, you’re investing in local creativity, jobs, and businesses that actually care about their customers.
The Future of Creative Muse
While we’re saying goodbye to our store, we’re not going anywhere. Creative Muse is going fully online, and we are pumped for what’s next!
That means more time to focus on curating the absolute best pieces, launching new designs, and making shopping with us even easier. And we promise—we’ll keep bringing you the bold, whimsical, and standout fashion you love, no matter what.
If you’ve ever loved what we do, now’s the time to support us and other Canadian businesses. Choose indie over corporate, Canadian over imported, and quality over fast fashion. Every order makes a difference, and trust us—we feel it.
To everyone who has shopped with us, followed along, or cheered us on: we are so grateful for you. The best is still ahead, and we can’t wait to take you along for the ride.
Stay tuned for all the exciting things coming your way, and in the meantime—shop small, shop local, and shop Canadian.
With love and gratitude,
Jen & Carole
Creative Muse