W omen are known to have a great deal of tenacity as part of their DNA, and that quality is all-important in the business world. One person with an abundance of that treasured commodity is Stephanie Briggs, who co-owns Wicker Emporium in Charlottetown, and a Montreal-based furniture business that serves all of Canada and the USA. Briggs fundamentally believes that, to be successful, a business leader must possess complete engagement and understanding of every facet of the business. “Lead by example” is her mantra. She also believes in tactical focus on issues of the day, and always puts the customer first. Briggs ensures that adequate time is scheduled and taken to look strategically at future business needs. These are not options; they are necessities in the world of business, she confidently proclaims. Wicker Emporium in Charlottetown was carefully selected for acquisition, as it’s a key location for the niche market that Wicker Emporium serves so well. “You have to have confidence in your beliefs, and be prepared to take rational risks to be successful,” Briggs says. “The Wicker Emporium store was, of course, one of those risks. However, there was a strong belief that the supply-chain support from the Montreal-based operation would be a key enabler for its success.” That belief proved correct. The Wicker Emporium store now carries diverse home furnishings and décor products that have never before been seen at that location, allowing it to bring its offerings to a whole new level for Islanders. Briggs is an assertive character who works hard to meet personal and business goals, firm in the belief that she does not know it all. She seeks guidance and help where she can. “Learning never ends,” she says. “When you stop learning, you stagnate, and basically stand still.” Her confident
air and approach to business and life extends to her travels around the world, sourcing best-of-the-best products for Wicker Emporium’s retail and wholesale operations. “Understanding customer needs is a cornerstone of any business. That’s a fairly obvious statement,” says Briggs. “However, the reality is, we provide many products that customers have no idea they need until they see it!” “All of us live in our own world, full of things we like,” she adds. “But, somewhere in the undercurrent of our imaginations, we long for something different to add that special look to our living space. Part of our job at Wicker Emporium is to ignite that spark of imagination. Our unique offerings can add unusual richness and warmth to the homes of Prince Edward Island and the Maritime provinces.” To help Wicker Emporium succeed, Briggs relies a lot on her trusted staff and other businesses in the community. She has complete trust in the store manager, Cedalia, who shows a similar resilient character to Briggs, along with a similar ability to mentor new staff. “Cedalia is regarded as an extension to the overall business, and that’s very important to me.” As the store approaches its first anniversary under new ownership, and its fiftieth anniversary as a brand, Briggs says she is confident that Wicker Emporium will continue to be the treasure trove Islanders look to for their exclusive décor and furniture needs for many years to come.
Briggs fundamentally believes that, to be successful, a business leader must possess complete engagement and understanding of every facet of the business. “Lead by example” is her mantra.
Wicker Emporium 43 Babineau Avenue, Charlottetown 902.370.9245 www.wickeremporium.ca
◄ Stephanie Briggs, owner
▲ Cedalia Brum, manager
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