A Beginning in Chilliwack
1965
It began in the heart of downtown Chilliwack in 1965. Rod Cooper took the helm, acquiring the Auld Phillips store from founders George Auld and E.M. “Toots” Phillips, whose own partnership had blossomed in the years following the Second World War.
Auld Phillips reflected the spirit of its era: a true department store, carrying a little of everything to serve the evolving needs of its community. But within that modest beginning lay the foundation of what would one day become a destination for women’s fashion.
Auld Phillips became not only Chilliwack’s most enduring business but also a symbol of possibility, achieving extraordinary growth with sales climbing an astonishing 25% year after year.
Growing with You
1970s
In 1972, the flagship Auld Phillips store embraced a bold transformation. Its expansion demanded more than just retail space. A dedicated warehouse and offices rose above the shop floor, a testament to the Company’s momentum and ambition.
Soon after, a new chapter unfolded with the opening of the very first Suzanne’s store. Built on a promise of attentive service and effortlessly stylish fashion at an accessible price, Suzanne’s quickly became a beloved name in local communities.
From that single beginning, the brand journeyed beyond Chilliwack, extending its reach across British Columbia and into Alberta, the first steps in a Western Canadian expansion that would define its future.
A Beloved Community Brand
1980s–1990s
As style shifted through the decades, Suzanne’s blossomed into a household name with a presence across Western Canada. Yet its essence was always more than fashion. Suzanne’s became a gathering place, hosting events, supporting communities, and creating spaces where women felt truly at home.
By choosing to grow in smaller towns and mid-sized communities, Suzanne’s offered women access to contemporary style without the distance of city travel. In doing so, it became part of their everyday lives, a trusted brand woven into generations of mothers, daughters, and granddaughters shopping side by side.
At the heart of it all was an unwavering devotion to her, the Suzanne’s woman. By understanding what makes her feel confident and beautiful, Suzanne’s continues to offer timeless pieces designed to support her through every stage of life.
Strengthening Our Roots
2000s
In 2004, a new milestone marked this growth: the Head Office and Distribution Centre moved to the Chilliwack Business Estates, creating the foundation to support an ever-expanding footprint of stores.
Staying in Chilliwack was no coincidence but a deliberate choice, a tribute to our beginnings and a promise to remain rooted in the community that shaped us. Even today, the Auld Phillips name endures within our story, a legacy woven into the fabric of who we are and who we continue to become.
A New Era of Style
2010s
Suzanne’s has always sought to bring women something special, introducing exclusive private labels alongside trusted partners like Tribal. In 2019, under new ownership with Stern Partners, longtime leader Sherry Johnston became president, guiding the brand into its next chapter.
Today, Suzanne’s proudly offers more than 40 distinctive women’s brands. Some, like Tribal, have become enduring staples, while others arrive seasonally to keep collections fresh and inspiring. With limited quantities and ever-evolving assortments, every visit feels like discovery, ensuring each woman finds pieces as unique as she is.
60 Years Strong
2020s
In 2020, we said goodbye to our original downtown Chilliwack flagship after 72 years, and in 2022 the last remaining Auld Phillips store closed in downtown Langley. But Suzanne’s legacy continues. Today, we proudly celebrate 60 years of fashion, friendship, and community across Western Canada.
Our business model remains the same, but the journey continues, and we are deeply grateful to our customer for welcoming us into her closet, her life, and her milestones for all these years.
