LAURIE WEIR
Starlet – a new shoe, jewelry and clothing store, has opened in Perth.
Saturday, Sept. 28 marked the grand opening, complete with a warm welcome and ribbon cutting by Mayor Judy Brown.
“Thank you to the husband-and-wife duo, Jefta and Cat Monster, for brining your vision to life here in Perth,” the mayor said.
After having a store of the same name in Napanee for 18 years, the mayor said she’s “very excited” that they chose Perth as their second location.
“Starlet is a perfect fit for Perth,” she said. “A place where shoppers will find high-quality women’s wear and more. The care and passion that the Monsters and their team put into creating an inviting and luxurious shopping experience and it will certainly make everyone feel like a starlet.”
Brown said businesses like these are the backbone of the community.
“I want to encourage everyone here today and all of Perth to support this incredible new business and continue to shop locally. It’s our local businesses that continue to keep our economy strong and it’s places like Starlet that give the town its charm.”
The Monsters said their inspiration for Starlet came from the idea that all women should be made to feel like a starlet and receive that special celebrity treatment.
“What woman doesn’t love an endless selection of jewellery, shoes, purses, lotions and hilarious greeting cards from some of Canada’s leading companies and designers?”
With a passion for people, a friendly and knowledgeable staff — seven of whom are mostly local women — and all that is unique and fun, shopping at Starlet is an unforgettable experience.
Jefta said they chose Perth because “it’s one of the most beautiful towns in Ontario … and they didn’t have a shoe store.”
There are some interesting aspects inside the store, including two Instagram worth selfie spots. There is lots of room to mingle and enjoy the atmosphere.
Check out the shopping experience online: https://www.starlet.ca/
Or drop by the store, located inside the old Shaw Building at 1 Gore St. E.
HISTORY OF 1 GORE ST.
According to the Town of Perth’s history, this was the location of Shaw’s Department Store, built by Roderick Matheson as a saddle and harness shop in 1840. In the early years, its merchandise came up the St. Lawrence from Britain to Montreal and then to Perth by barge via the Rideau and Tay Canals. Until recently, Shaw’s was one of Canada’s oldest family operated stores.
The building has had a few lives, the most recent it was Miss Penny’s Closet clothing store (now located at 37 Foster St.) and prior to that, Tweed and Hickory men’s and women’s clothing.
