George Giaouris

WHAT GOT YOU STARTED?

by Burke Campbell

Published in the Financial Post

April 14, 2008

George Giaouris runs Northbound Leather ( www.northbound.com ), a retail store specializing in erotic apparel, located in Toronto,  Ontario. George Giaouris tells the Financial Post what motivated him to become an entrepreneur.

Greek drama:  “When I was just five years old, in 1968, my parents emigrated from Greece. Finding a demand for custom-made leather goods, my father raised me in a retail environment. We catered to people in show business and rock musicians, making whatever they asked for. Located downtown, we had many gay customers, too.”

Market pioneer: “Northbound became known for our exotic designs, presentations, and quality workmanship, pushing ‘fetish wear’ into the mainstream. Today, people are more accepting of their own sexual fantasies and recognize the erotic element in leather.”

Tech meets sex: “Early on, many customers would ask about going online. By 1994, Northbound had one of the world’s first commercial websites.” 

Confidential: “For our customers who may be well-known media or political personalities, the website provides private browsing and confidential shopping. Also, our retail store attracts the global shopper. In one visit, a well known personality bought over thirty-two thousand dollars of leather outfits.”

A maverick’s motivation: “This business is built on passion, including mine. My wife Anna works with me and we have three wonderful kids. My business and my family are a joyful combination.”

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