Arrowtown sisters Caroline Walak and Sophie Gibbs have grown up in a world of fashion.

“We learnt the ropes working in our family stores Wallace & Gibbs, Ikon, The Wool Press and Te Huia alongside our parents Delvine Wallace and Bruce Gibbs and sister Elizabeth,” says Caroline. “It was an amazing experience that ensured our future in fashion.”

Caroline studied marketing and management at university before working in various roles in Perth and London. Returning, she took over the administration and ecommerce sites for the Wallace & Gibbs group stores, assisted with assisted with buying and has managed administration, stock control and staff for the past ten years.

“My favourite part of the business is seeing the ranges and doing the buying and merchandising, as well as the admin, making sense of spreadsheets, numbers and budgets,” says Caroline.

 Sophie’s background is in hospitality and business management having studied at the Queenstown Resort College before working in event management and abroad on luxury superyachts. She worked for the Queenstown Events Centre in Events Management and as membership co-ordinator at the Hills Golf Course before joining the family business.

“Customer service is something that comes naturally to me and I find it deeply satisfying,” says Sophie. “I love buying for the stores and helping customers – it genuinely brings me joy.”

In 2016 Caroline and Sophie opened their boutique store Goals in Arrowtown selling high-end sports and leisurewear. “We were just ahead of the global athleisure curve that was starting to trend and Goals really hit the mark,” says Sophie.

The store has continued to evolve with the sisters sharing a progressive vision. They have recently expanded the stores direction by introducing a compelling new mix of chic streetwear and curated fashion pieces alongside their luxe activewear ranges in the store.

“This includes Australian fashion brands Staple the Label, Mink Pink and All About Eve, denim by Levi’s and Wrangler, Superdry for men and women and activewear by The Upside,” says Caroline. “We are super excited about this new expanded direction for Goals and our customers are loving the refreshed styles and streetwear options instore now for the winter season.”

“Fashion trends are changing with active wear now part of everyday wear and the new ranges reflect this. We also have high-quality boutique kids wear from Rylee & Cru and our shoe wall features the very latest footwear by New Balance, Reebok and Converse.”