Port Carling’s cherished boutique retailer, Poppys Collection, is once again preparing for an influx of shoppers as the Muskoka summer season approaches. Located at 101 Maple Street, the store is a mainstay in the lakeside town, offering timeless, high-quality apparel for infants, children, and women. While the region is best known for its summertime hustle, Poppys has grown into a year-round destination for locals and seasonal visitors alike.
“I’m kind of on part-time maternity leave at the moment, so we balance time between Muskoka and where my husband works,” explains Kathryn McNally, founder of the boutique. “We stay open Fridays and Saturdays during the off-season and ramp up to seven days a week after the May long weekend.”
As McNally notes, the flow of shoppers typically surges from late spring through early fall, when thousands of cottage-goers descend on Muskoka. “We usually phase in our seven days a week, starting with five days a week in May and then fully open in the summer,” she says.
Filling a Niche in Muskoka’s Retail Scene
Founded nearly a decade ago, Poppys Collection was inspired by McNally’s own experience and a desire to bring quality children’s clothing to Canadian families. “My mom had a hard time finding nice clothes for my nephew, and that’s when I started looking at European brands,” she recalls. “I wanted timeless pieces that wouldn’t feel dated after just one season.”
The concept behind Poppys is simple: high-quality, durable clothing with a design sensibility that avoids the trend treadmill. “A lot of the brands I work with are woman-owned and mom-run. They focus on timeless quality—pieces you can pass down from one child to the next,” she says. “You don’t want something that screams 2020 or 1995.”
The store’s selections range from elegant children’s wear to tasteful women’s accessories, reflecting a curation process grounded in international travel and personal connection. “I shop around the world and bring back what I fall in love with,” McNally adds.
Unique in the Region
While Muskoka is known for its charming independent shops, Poppys Collection occupies a unique niche.
“There’s one other children’s store in Bracebridge, but we’re a bit different,” McNally says. “We’re really the only thing like this in Muskoka, which is exciting.”
Port Carling itself has become a haven for female-led businesses, a fact McNally celebrates. “It’s a pretty amazing little pocket. So many of the shops here are woman-owned and operated,” she says. “There’s a lot of camaraderie.”
Serving a Diverse and Affluent Clientele
Poppys Collection caters to a broad mix of customers, from year-round residents to affluent cottagers. “Muskoka definitely has a local community, but we also see many families who come up in the summer and have cottages here,” says McNally. “They’re usually here between June and September.”
The clientele includes both Canadian and international visitors, with American tourism playing a critical role.
“American tourism is important to any business in Muskoka,” she says. “We all do the majority of our revenue in about 10 to 12 weeks, so all tourism is crucial.”
And yes, Muskoka has its share of celebrity visitors. “Cindy Crawford has a cottage, and Lisa Rinna’s husband has one as well,” she notes. “There are rumours about other celebrities too, but I’m not sure how true they are!”
Navigating Economic Uncertainty and Tariff Pressures
As with many independent retailers, Poppys faces uncertainty due to evolving international trade dynamics—particularly discussions surrounding tariffs.
“It’s hard for a small business. You have to plan your buying a year in advance,” McNally explains. “When I placed orders for Spring/Summer 2025, I didn’t know what would happen politically or economically a year later. So you’re taking a risk.”
McNally notes that she was fortunate to anticipate potential tariff increases late last year. “With the talk happening in December, I was able to move up my orders and make sure everything came in before tariffs might go into effect,” she says. “But it’s hard to plan when things change so fast.”
That level of unpredictability makes long-term planning difficult. “Every time I pick up my phone, it feels like there’s a new headline,” she says. “It’s exhausting.”
A Vision for the Future, Rooted in Community
Despite the economic volatility, McNally remains committed to growing Poppys Collection as a fixture in the Port Carling business community.
“Over the next few years, I want to continue being a meaningful part of the retail landscape here,” she says. “We’re providing great employment and are part of a really special network of small businesses.”
The community aspect is deeply woven into Poppys’ operations. From in-store story times for kids to manicures for moms, McNally has prioritized a family-friendly atmosphere that goes beyond typical retail experiences. The store even gathers customer input through local focus groups to fine-tune its assortment.
In addition, Poppys maintains an active online store, extending the brand’s reach well beyond cottage country.
“We have loyal customers across Canada who shop online, and that’s helped us stay resilient year-round,” says McNally.
A Muskoka Favourite Poised for Another Busy Summer
With May long weekend approaching and tourism expected to rebound, McNally is optimistic about the summer ahead.
“We’re looking forward to seeing new and familiar faces,” she says. “It’s a special time in Muskoka, and we’re excited to be part of it again.”
Although exact population numbers in Port Carling fluctuate dramatically from winter to summer, McNally emphasizes that the community support remains consistent. “In December, you might go an hour without seeing anyone,” she laughs. “But by July, you’ll see hundreds of people walking the streets. It’s a dramatic but beautiful shift.”
For McNally, it all comes back to the joy of offering something meaningful to families. “I created Poppys because I wanted to build something lasting,” she says. “It’s not just about fashion—it’s about creating special moments.”
