A young Ed Christie in Elementary School
From its intriguing window displays to the comfortable surroundings of the store, Christie’s is focused on satisfying its customers. For more than 40 years, this Collingwood family business has provided a wide range of options to the discerning shopper seeking fine quality, interesting fashions offered at competitive prices.
Ed Christie opened the store in 1976 with an approach to fashion retailing that continues today. Carefully selected, high quality menswear and women’s fashions fill the racks and shelves. The array is diverse, catering to the multi-faceted lifestyle of our community. Casual and recreational, business wear and more formal items such as made-to-measure suits are all available.
Lines from across North America and Europe are included in the collections. They combine the familiar and classic with new and unusual. A wide range of accessories, the finishing touches, are an integral part of the store’s offerings. Christie’s continues to expand its new children’s division welcoming a new generation of customers.
Ed Christie later renovated and expanded the downtown Collingwood location to include men’s, women’s and children’s clothing.
The level of service at Christie’s harks back to a time when shoppers received special treatment. Custom fitting, often the same day alterations, gift wrapping and a customer loyalty program are just a few of the extras that are the norm here and for which there are no additional charges.
Son and daughter Michael and Dana now operate the family business. They and all of the staff members are dedicated to customer service that equals the excellence of the merchandise.
As Michael says, “We are going to be here to look after our customers with extraordinary personal service for a long time.”
The attention to detail and pleasing shoppers extends to the building itself. In 1989, it was impeccably restored, resulting in an outstandingly attractive, heritage restored storefront and an interior that encourages relaxing browsing and exploration.
Christie’s Clothing has kept pace with changes in fashion and in the community, while retaining the focus on quality, competitive pricing and offering service that surpasses that of many retailers.
An extraordinary shopping experience awaits residents and visitors right here in the heart of historic downtown Collingwood. Welcome to Christie’s Clothing!
Where it all began
The lineage of the Christie and Smart family operating in the clothing business can be traced to the first block of Hurontario Street in Collingwood. Henry Smart operated a combined clothing and flower shop. Later, Ed Smart continued with the flower business but discontinued clothing sales. Just south of Collingwood’s Federal building, if you look up, you can see the Smart name high atop this location. The Smart’s Flower Shop operated at this location until the 2000’s.
Ed Christie returned the family name to the clothing business in 1976, purchasing the downtown location pictured below.
Michael Christie has carried on in the family business
Winterfest was a popular Collingwood event in the 1970’s. Ed Christie is seen here with his prize winning ice sculpture. (Notice the ship at the end of the street)
This beautiful Collingwood home was owned by the Smart family. It was located on 5th Street, at the south end of Pine Street, where the present day Bell Canada facility is situated.
Christie’s Clothing
CLOTHING FOR MEN, WOMEN AND CHILDREN
91 Hurontario Street, Downtown Collingwood
705-445-2761