Chantelle Harder, a Winnipeg entrepreneur with an unexpected path to business, has launched her latest venture—Style Encore—at 1190 St. James St., alongside business partner Alex Domingo. Opened in May, this is Winnipeg’s second Style Encore franchise and the only one in the city to include men’s clothing and an e-commerce platform.
Harder, who now oversees seven businesses, including Plato’s Closet and Once Upon a Child locations, never initially envisioned herself as a business owner. But since starting with an online pharmacy in Minnedosa in 2001, her portfolio has steadily grown. She also founded Harder HIIT Fitness, a non-profit community gym in Winnipeg, and co-owns three Plato’s Closet franchises in Alberta.
A former educator, Harder says working with youth—many of whom are taking on their first jobs—brings her joy. “Watching them learn and grow is so rewarding. It’s kind of like being a teacher,” she said.
Style Encore specializes in buying and selling gently used clothing, shoes, handbags, and accessories geared toward adults aged 25 and older. Shoppers can find casual and business attire from popular brands like Ann Taylor, Banana Republic, Gap, and Lululemon. Items are often priced as low as $5, though the store also stocks luxury items such as designer shoes and high-end handbags.
Customers can sell their gently used items directly to the store for cash, reinforcing the company’s mission of promoting sustainability. “I love the concept of keeping all of these things out of our landfills and giving the community a safe and welcoming place to come sell and buy,” said Harder.
The new location stands out as Winnipeg’s only Style Encore to include men’s apparel and an online shopping platform, expanding its reach in both convenience and inclusivity.
In preparation for its May 1 grand opening, Harder and Domingo, who also serves as the human resources manager for Harder’s other businesses, and their staff purchased a staggering 76,000 items. The 4,200-square-foot store has seen strong business activity since opening.
“We expected to be busy but I don’t think we expected to be as busy as we are. It’s a nice surprise,” Domingo said.
Both Harder and Domingo are Métis and take pride in representing Indigenous business ownership in the local retail landscape. In addition to their cultural pride, the duo emphasizes the values of affordability, sustainability, and community impact.
Harder’s determination is fueled in part by her health. She lives with Stage 4 metastatic breast cancer and receives chemotherapy every three weeks, along with having undergone whole-brain radiation. Still, she remains committed to growing her businesses and leaving a legacy.
“It just kind of gives you a wake up call to make sure that you’re living the life that you want to lead,” said Harder, who is a mother to four children aged 15 to 21. “I hope that my stores can create a legacy for my family, and for Alex, too, at Style Encore. I find being busy is the best cancer cure of all.”
Shoppers are already responding positively. Friends Alison Wolfe and Karen Toews visited the new location for the first time on Monday and praised the selection.
“I wasn’t expecting it to be this full right away, but it’s nice to have a lot of options here,” Wolfe said.
Toews noted that the store prioritizes quality over trendy throwaways. “We’re not necessarily looking for the fast fashion. We’re looking for the stuff that will last a little longer,” she said.
Style Encore is a franchise under U.S.-based Winmark Corp., which bills itself as “the resale company.” Other well-known brands under its umbrella include Plato’s Closet, Once Upon a Child, Play It Again Sports, and Music Go Round.
As of December 2024, Winmark operates more than 1,350 franchises across its five brands. There are currently over 65 Style Encore locations in Canada and the U.S.
With this second Style Encore location in Winnipeg, Harder and Domingo are not only expanding their business footprint but also championing a mission rooted in sustainability, inclusivity, and resilience.
Related Topics
- Perfect Bridal Gowns for the South’s Most Iconic Wedding Venues
- How to Nail the Summer Dress and Trainer Combo Without a Misstep
- Fashion Stylist Curates Six Petite-Friendly Striped Summer Picks from Roman
