When Hayley and mom Marie were considering names for their new Nanaimo lingerie shop, they knew they wanted it to reflect everyone they welcomed through their doors.
It was with that in mind that Hayley thought of a cactus – it can be tall, short, thin, curvy, and every variation in between.
“A cactus can come in all different shapes and sizes and it’s the same with people,” Hayley reflects. “I want anyone to feel they can come in and feel like this is their store.”
And the “Purple” part? That was easy – it was their favourite colour!
With their inclusive, welcoming philosophy firmly in mind and the name above their door, Purple Cactus Lingerie threw open their doors at Woodgrove Centre earlier this summer.
Browsing the wide selection of lingerie from quality brands like Coobie, Elita, Elomi, Eucalan, Fit Fully Yours, Freya and Triumph, find bra sizes from 28 to 54 and cups from A to K, along with nursing, sports, and strapless, plus panties, slips, nightwear and menswear.
“I want this to be a place where people can be comfortable coming in and know they’ll find things they’ll love,” says Hayley, who brings a background both in the lingerie and plus-size fashion.
Join the grand opening celebrations
Customers are embracing the Purple Cactus concept, and Hayley and Marie are thrilled to welcome everyone to grand opening celebrations Friday, July 19, when the store will welcome the Triumph team for bra sizing and fittings, and offer 15 per cent off everything in the store! The sale continues Saturday and Sunday, July 20 and 21.
Beyond finding lingerie in sizes from extra small to plus sizes, it’s also about finding the right size for you – and where your body is at right now, notes Hayley, who with Marie is a trained bra fitter. Bodies change over months and years, meaning many women are wearing the wrong bra size; finding the right size can be transformative.
“Almost daily I see women come in who are wearing the wrong size and once we get them into a bra that fits them properly, it changes how they feel, it changes how their clothing fits and it gives them more confidence,” Hayley says.
Understanding that some may feel uncomfortable with a fitting – though Hayley emphasizes there’s nothing to be embarrassed about – “there’s absolutely no pressure,” she says.
Men will find something for them, too!
It’s not all about the ladies at Purple Cactus, either. A fashionable selection of men’s briefs come in a similarly wide range of sizes, from XXS to 5X, from brands such as 2UNDR and BN3TH.
Visit Purple Cactus in Woodgrove Centre, or learn more at purplecactuslingerie.ca.
