Celebrating 10 Years
10 years is a long time, especially for a small business. On June 3rd, 2019 espy, Calgary’s most beloved boutique and #1 denim destination will celebrate 10 years of being open for business in the Calgary community.
From humble beginnings, at 1217B 9th Ave, a move to the Atlantic Arts Building in 2011 followed by a store expansion in 2018, espy continues to grow. The espy experience began in 2009 with one goal in mind; make people feel good. The espy stylists have always offered an authentic and informative styling experience. They provide encouragement, enthusiasm and knowledge on how to dress for your body type. The espy experience has been a Calgary success story for the past 10 years and will continue to be for decades to come.
Learn more about the espy story with Proprietor, Megan Szanik:
Celebrating 10 years of espy Community Involvement
Since 2009 espy has raised over $350,000 for charity through cheeky fundraising initiatives such as #nakedespy, #bikiniespy & #SpreadLove.
#nakedespy
#nakedespy is an initiative catered toward Calgary men’s mental and physical health which started in 2010. espy has 100 men parade down 9th Avenue in Inglewood wearing nothing but their underwear to raise money and awareness for the Calgary Prostate Cancer Centre. In turn, they receive over $1,000 of clothes courtesy of espy for their fundraising efforts.
In 2019, a total of $53,310.85 was raised for the Calgary Prostate Cancer Centre.
#bikiniespy
#bikiniespy is a Stampede-themed fundraiser for Special Olympics Calgary (SOC). On the first Saturday of Stampede espy raises money for Special Olympics Calgary by asking 100 women of all sizes to line up outside espy in their bikinis and cowboy boots. Ladies receive a Stampede outfit compliments of espy with a minimum $500 donation to SOC.
espy has raised $90,000+ for SOC! This cause is close to the heart of Megan Szanik, as her brother Wade is a Special Olympics athlete. The entire espy team is proud to be involved and grateful for the support shown by the Calgary community.
We are taking a hiatus this year. But above all we are actively supporting the Special Olympics in other ways! We will be returning next year with an event that’s even more fun to support the Special Olympics moving forward.
#SpreadLove
#SpreadLove is an annual espy campaign that encourages people in the community to love themselves and each other more through random acts of kindness and community involvement.
In 2018 espy dedicated spreading love to those affected by Alzheimer’s in Calgary. We created a red heart sculpture paired with engraved lovelocks for people passing by to lock their love. The idea in mind that they could lock this moment forever. All proceeds for the lovelocks went directly to the Alzheimer’s Society of Calgary.
In 2019 espy partnered up with some of Calgary’s finest restaurants: Royale, The Eden, The Nash, Bridgette Bar and Charbar to save Valentine’s Day. This initiative was called the Ultimate Date Night Experience. It included an espy Date Night and a guaranteed Valentine’s Day reservation at one of these restaurants.
More about the espy Date Night Experience >
Some more past #SpreadLove initiatives:
Celebrating 10 Years of espy Style
As a rule, style comes and goes but you can count on expert style advice from the espy stylists. Including making you feel empowered through clothing is what we have done for the last 10 years. Read our latest style blog or take a trip down memory lane and check out this Spring style post from 2014.
espy Notable Nominations and Awards
- Megan Szanik: Top 40 under 40 class of 2014
- Finalist for Breakout Business of the year in 2017 by the Calgary Chamber of Commerce
- Winner: Business Leader in Calgary in 2018 by Business in Calgary Magazine
- Best Men’s Clothing Store in Calgary by Best of Calgary in 2018
- Runner up for Best Men’s Clothing Store in Calgary by Best of Calgary in 2019
- Runner up for Best Women’s Clothing Store in Calgary by Best of Calgary in 2019
- Best Men’s Clothing Store in Calgary by Best of Calgary in 2020
Celebrate 10 Years of espy June 8th
espy celebrates 10 years on Saturday, June 8th. We’ll be offering 10% off regular-priced purchases all day long, drinks and birthday cake for all of our loyal patrons who come to join in the celebration.
We are humbled to be able to serve our community in Calgary for the past 10 years. From modest beginnings, we have been able to give back to the community, develop strong relationships with our clients, and create a recognizable brand as the place to go for honest and reliable service.
Thank you to our valued clients, family and friends for making this all possible. We look forward to the next 10 years of doing business with such amazing people.
