When long-standing Roncesvalles clothing boutique Frock announced it would be closing its doors after 23 years in February, news spread fast. The charming, independently-owned shop had been a favourite in the west end community, but owner Jim Pauk decided it was time to close. But on Tuesday, someone took to Frock’s Instagram page to share some news: the shop will live on.
“After 23 years, Frock’s story isn’t ending… it’s turning the page!” read the Instagram post. The boutique is continuing on under new ownership — Katia Dion, a longtime collaborator of Frock and founder of two boutiques in Montreal, is stepping in as the new owner.
Dion has deep connections to Frock, including to the original owner, Cathryn Dajka. A stylist in the Roncesvalles neighbourhood, Dajka founded Frock and ran it passionately until she passed in 2022. Her husband, Pauk, then took over the business. According to Dion, she considers Dajka “her very first customer” nearly 20 years ago.
While ownership is changing, regular shoppers will notice a familiar face: Melody, the operations manager at the original Frock, will be working alongside Dion during this new chapter. The Instagram post also notes that the new team intends to keep Frock as a “space built on community and conversation.”
And while plenty of the same brands will be available at the shop, the spot notes that some new ideas, brands and experiences will definitely be involved when Frock reopens its doors.
Frock remains closed for now, but the team has plans to welcome shoppers back to the bright purple and green storefront in early July.
Fans of the shop are already sounding off in the comments, celebrating the news. “This is wonderful news! Ronny just wouldn’t be the same without your metallic foil fringe light gently blowing in the breeze,” a commenter wrote.
“The best news!! Cathryn would be so happy!! Frock lives on!!” another commenter shared.
When Pauk shared the news that Frock would be closing in February, he noted that Dajka became a boss, mentor and friend to her employees, championing women and encouraging them to establish their own businesses. He shared that the business had to close due to financial challenges, explaining that financial irregularities and unauthorised financial activities by a former employee were discovered after Dajka passed, and were significant enough to impact Frock’s financial stability.
The new Frock team acknowledged both Dajka and her husband in the post, writing, “We also want to recognize Jim, who has been part of Frock since the very beginning and da steady, caring presence through its many chapters. His stewardship of the business his wife Cathryn started has helped make this continuation possible and we’re happy to say you’ll still see him popping by from time to time.”
