The Lady who created the Legacy.

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Pauline Marshall found her calling in corsetry and lingerie after moving to Brockville from the Maritimes in the 1950’s. 

She began her legendary career at Walker’s Department Store where she remained the lead in the Lady’s Intimates department until shortly after Walker’s was acquired by Mark’s & Spencer in 1974.

Pauline trained in corsetry fitting with Dominion Corset Company of Canada, later known as Daisy Fresh (1964), the Formfit School of Modern Corsetry (1964) and Warner’s-Parisian (c1965). After her “retirement” from Mark’s & Spencer, she decided to open her own shop, certain her clients would follow her. The original store; Pauline’s Corset Salon, opened in October 1975 in a 400 sf space on Buell Street that she soon outgrew and moved two doors down to a 650 sf location. 

She outgrew this location too, and moved to a larger storefront on King Street within a year, where the late 70’s to mid-80’s brought continued growth and success for Pauline & her team of 4 other employees. In 1986, she purchased the building where today’s Pauline’s still resides.

Pauline was a trend-setter, well ahead of her time. She started her business at a time when women were not leaders in the business community, and her legacy continues today, a testament to the incredible knowledge and skill set she had. She worked hard to ensure her clients needs and wants were met, and always maintained the greatest respect for them. 

She was adept at what she did, right through the later years of her career, all the while remaining actively involved and present at Pauline’s through her 100th year. Just ahead of her 100th birthday, and in the 40th anniversary year of the store, she attended her last Profile buyers’ Show, where they honoured her for both 40 years in business and her 100th birthday coming up. She decided later that year that she would take the winter off, it was time to take it easy.

While we have all considered her remarkable, an institution, legendary, with quite a legacy, she never considered herself any of those things. She really didn’t think she’d done anything spectacular at all.

All the accolades and awards aside, she was just doing what she was good at, and what she truly loved. Pauline imparted her vast knowledge and skills to her grand-daughter Catherine Maggio-Howley, and “Cathy” now continues her legacy. 

Pauline’s still offers the exceptional range of products 

with proficiency in fitting and client care that Pauline herself offered. 

Come see us today and share your favorite memory!