Canadian Retailer leela Launches E-commerce Site for Women’s Fashion

Today marks the official launch of leela, a new Canadian women's clothing retailer founded by industry professionals Nikki Tighe and Karyn Woodhouse. The retailer debuts with a curated collection featuring established Canadian and European labels including Picadilly Canada, Carré Noir, Compli K, Esqualo and Garcia. leela was created in response to a significant gap in the Canadian women's retail landscape.

Through extensive conversations with Canadian women about their shopping frustrations, the founders identified a clear need for fashion that combines sophistication and comfort.

"We kept hearing the same message from women across Canada – they want retailers to know that they're here to spend, but they simply don't love what's currently available," says co-founder Nikki Tighe. "Many retailers just aren't giving women what they want. Women don't all just fall into either the category of wanting skin-tight sequin dresses or floral muumuus."

Each piece has been chosen with a focus on quality fabrics, flattering fits, and versatile styling options. While leela launches initially as an online boutique, physical retail locations are central to the brand's future vision.

"We miss that in-person connection as much as our customers do," explains co-founder Karyn Woodhouse, who brings extensive retail expertise to the venture. "We're working toward opening physical locations as soon as we can make that happen." The brand places particular emphasis on its curated Made in Canada collection, celebrating domestic design talent and craftsmanship.

By featuring prominent Canadian labels, leela demonstrates its commitment to supporting local fashion excellence while providing customers with garments created with an understanding of Canadian lifestyles. Customer feedback will play a central role in leela's evolution.

"We're just beginning this journey, and customer input will help shape what leela becomes," says Tighe. "We're committed to integrating feedback at every step to create the shopping experience women truly deserve."

leela's first collection is available now through their website at www.shopatleela.ca, with plans for future physical locations.