What: The Webster is to open a first store outside the U.S.

Why it is important: The model thrives with developing the relationship with customers.

The Webster plans to open its first store outside the U.S. – and eighth overall – in Toronto next summer, signalling that customer service-oriented, multi-brand boutiques can escape the downturn facing other parts of the wholesale and bricks-and-mortar sector. It is expected to see sales grow between 10% and 20% year-over-year in 2020, and September marked the most successful sales month in the history of the company, despite the lack of tourists and downturn in spending this year.

Owner Laure Hériard Dubreuil attributes that success to the company’s close relationships with luxury shoppers, who are catered to by The Webster’s private client team. “I am definitely not in the chase of recruiting clients, recruiting clients, recruiting clients, and all the massive investments that have to do with that”. “I’m more into developing relationships, building relationships, building trust, building a curated assortment, building wardrobes”, she said.

The Webster to Open First Store Outside the US