First Impressions helping P.E.I. women dress for success

A new store in Charlottetown isn't planning on making any money, and that's fine by the owners who just want to give low income women a hand up.

First Impressions isn't your average clothing shop, as you won't find any price tags. Instead, they're giving away the clothing to women in need who are trying to find jobs.

The store was the idea of Karrie MacDougall, but was inspired by her late friend Susan Coyle Warren.

"She was a legal aid lawyer and just a wonderful woman," MacDougall said through tears.

"She always helped any woman in need, especially those who are struggling. She was very, very willing to go above and beyond to help women."

After cleaning out Warrens closet, MacDougall searched for a place like First Impressions that would accept donations, but there wasn't one.

It became the inspiration for starting the store.

The retail space was donated along with some money from community groups. A steady stream of clothing donations have been coming through the door.

By appointment only

"As soon as I put it up on Facebook I was bombarded," MacDougall said. "I was on for four hours just answering people back. People have been so supportive, it's unreal."

The shop works on a "by appointment" basis and Michelle Jay with P.E.I. Council on the Status of Women says there's a great need for this type of help.

"There's a lot of low income folks who come through for services here, there's a lot of government services, income support is located in this building, public health and dental," she said.

"And certainly we see there's lots of women who could use a hand in various ways. And so to be offering clothing and help with entry into the workforce is a wonderful idea."

MacDougall wants to give the whole package to her clients. Her daughter will be providing esthetician services and she hopes to get a hairdresser on board soon.

MacDougall hopes to have the store open by the start of the school year.