RIP Tabi

This summer saw the demise of what was once my favourite store...Tabi.  Once upon a time Canadians knew them as Ports International, then Tabi International and at the end, simply Tabi.

In the unpreppiest of places Tabi shone like a beacon for anyone searching for colour, classic likes, durable fabrics...quilted, corded and patterned.  I have a closet full of patterned polos: cocktails, flamingos and more.  Their shirts last forever - I have some from the 80s which made their price point tolerable.

Recently, like so many classic companies, they started changing their product lines.  Printed polos havnt been available since 2008.  Instead the store was flooded with mock neck tops.  They seemed to be trying to cater to the same audience other companies have been trying to attract.  You know the ones...JC, THE preppy company.  No longer preppy.  The problem with this shift is the loss of the core customer base while never attracting the coveted younger customer.

So my beloved Tabi collapsed.  Filed bankruptcy and closed it's doors.  No longer will there big big navy blue bags snuck in my house while the Suburban Prince is at work.  No more perfect fitting, high quality t-shirts in a rainbow of colours.  No more super cute socks - hello, pink and green argyle!  I was with Tabi since my tweens and haven't taken the loss well....hopefully we will find a replacement soon!


Have a fabulous day!