Opened on October 29, 1929, Goderich business Schaefer’s Ladies Wear is celebrating 95 years of business.
Current owner, Anne Ferguson says she is proud to carry on the legacy that her great-grandfather George started.
Schaefer’s has been through so much in all its years of business, including a fire in the 1950s, the side effects of two other fires, a tornado and most recently, the pandemic.
George’s first day of business landed on October 29, 1929 – Black Friday – the day the Toronto stock exchange crashed.
“The fact that he survived starting up a new business at that time is a miracle, and I am proud to continue his legacy and hopefully reach 100 years,” added Anne.
At the time of its grand opening in 1929, the store was mostly a women’s clothing and household product store. At the time of its opening, the store carried products such as flooring, curtains, blinds, wallpaper, bedding and towels.
Opened by George Schaefer, the business soon took on the family business approach and in the 1940s his son John joined. Over the next decade, as needs within the community changed, so did the business.
It was in the 1940s the focus of Schaefer’s shifted primarily to high quality women’s clothing.
Owning a business in a smaller town is a blessing for Anne, and she is grateful her great-grandfather chose Goderich to start his business venture.
“Shopping local is important, as it provides for not only the owner and their staff, but all the local businesses,” explained Anne.
“It’s a very important ongoing circle of supporting each other.”
Eventually the women of the family began managing the business in the 1980s with Louise Schaefer, and in 1998, Anne took over.
By the 1980s the emphasis on women’s clothing was fully cemented into the fabric of the business.
Anne grew up in the store learning from both her grandfather (John) and her mother (Louise). When she was a child, Anne said that her grandfather would let her sort the “buttons” – size markers on the hangers – and she would be paid with treats.
Later in her teen years, Anne worked the floor, assisting customers and learning the day-to-day tasks associated with running a business.
“My grandfather spent time with me to teach me how to do all the bookkeeping and eventually when he retired, I assisted my mother with that,” Anne reminisced.
“Not once in all of those years, did I ever imagine that I would take over ownership and be here long enough to celebrate 95 years.”
Despite the success of the last 95 years, there have been various bumps in the road for local businesses, including most recently the pandemic lockdowns, and the shift to online shopping.
By shopping local, Anne believes that the community is supporting a local family, and that family is also shopping local, creating a circular effect for the local economy.
Opening a business is no small feat, but the legacy left behind by George and continued success 95 years later, no business owner could have foreseen.
A part of the legacy and why Schaefer’s continues to be successful over the years are the loyal customers.
Anne explained that the store prefers to see its customers in person, as customer service is an important piece of the fabric that makes Schaefer’s such a success.
“Some of our loyal customers have been shopping at Schaefer’s for three, if not four generations,” Anne said.
“I am truly blessed that we have such loyalty and appreciate every single one of them. I am fortunate heart stories about coming into Schaefer’s when they were a child with their mother or grandmother and am grateful that they still shop with us today.”
Anne believes that if her great-grandfather was around today, he would be very proud but also amazed that Schaefer’s was still running as a fourth-generation family business, and now run by a woman.
“I would love to have a conversation with him of what business is like today, compared to when he first opened Schaefer’s, as well as listen to all of the stories he would have from his time,” expressed Anne.
“I always enjoyed listening to my grandfather’s stories, and often wish I had written it all down.”
Anne is also quick to credit her mother Louise as her mentor who has provided everything that she needed to be successful.
Louise, who was the first woman to run the business when it was mostly men in the industry, remains an inspiring woman to Anne, as she blazed the trail as a woman and a business owner in a small town.
To celebrate Schaefer’s 95th anniversary, the store is offering up to 95 per cent off purchases. Customers will get to pop a balloon at the time of purchase, which will reveal their discount.
As of Saturday, October 26, Schaefer’s had three customers receive 95 per cent off already. With each purchase, customers will receive a ballot to enter for a chance to win a $950 gift card, or one of nine $95 gift cards.
Additionally, Schaefer’s will have another draw for everyone who stops into the store to enter for many great prizes. This sale is on until November 2.
Schaefer’s is not only a successful, multi-generationally run business celebrating 95 years in business, but over the years has also taken part in events including Ladies Night.
This year Ladies Night is on Thursday, November 14 from 12 p.m. until 8 p.m.
“We have already started planning this event, and have some great deals and giveaways,” Anne added.
There will be storewide discounts, a gift with purchase, and a treat for those who visit Schaefer’s on November 14.
The store will also have a huge, two-day Black Friday sale, but the details are still top secret. To be the first to know, Anne suggests customers register through Schaefer’s website to receive monthly emails.
Comments