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Unique multi-generational business: Branson's Red Garter celebrates 60 years
BY K.D. MICHAELS, Staff Writer
A unique Branson shop is celebrating sixty years in business. The Red Garter is a multi-generational business.
“My mom, Roz, and I own the shop,” explained Brett Westley. “We carry lingerie, adult novelties, professional makeup, leotards and tights, and theatrical accessories.”
Originally opened in Palm Springs, California by Roz’s parents, Sid and Tess Meltzer, the specialty store has been in Branson for 28 years.
“We have always kept up with the times,” said Brett. “We first started in 1963 with the ‘Missy’ line, consisting of pant suits to long evening gowns and swimwear. Then, by the mid-‘70s we jumped in with the ‘junior’ line, because the Jane Fonda Workout and Disco came in. Then, in the ‘80s it became sexier and sexier. You have to keep up in order to survive today.”
According to Westley, the store has a broad target audience. “Our audience is early 20s through the elderly and mostly women,” Westley noted, “Men are very close to a tie with women.”
In addition to their store, located in the Falls Shopping Center, Red Garter has a strong online presence.
“Our website is awesome, because we have hooked up our online shop with a dropship system from one of our suppliers,” Westley explained. “You get the same low prices, discreet billing and shipping and there are thousands of items to choose from. Plus, we are adding a new part to the website—starting September 1, we will have a monthly blog. It will not be just on the website, but it will also show up in your email when you sign up for the blog. Just visit our website at redgarterbranson.com.”
In addition to the website, Red Garter can be found on Instagram: @redgarterbranson, on Facebook under bransonredgarter and via email at info@redgarterbranson.com.
The store had a blow-out celebration in honor of their 60th year in business.
Said Westley, “Our 60th anniversary celebration was a huge success! Michael Knight and his lovely wife Rachel from Legends in Concert came over to help draw the winning ticket for the 60th anniversary basket,” Westley shared. “The basket had a huge box with more goodies in it, and it was worth $1,000. The winner, Rick, was so exceedingly happy to win. We also had snacks and soda for everyone.”
Westley continued, “Sixty years, yes, 60 years. Wow! It’s so hard to believe that it is 60 years, because it feels like yesterday. The other question is this: ‘Where did the time go? It’s quite a crazy feeling that Mom and I are feeling.”
Red Garter is continuing the 60th anniversary celebration going for a bit, with special savings online.
“For our 60th Anniversary, we have an online only special running—you get 60% off any order over $300 online only, and valid through September 19, 2023,” Westley explained. “Use promo code ANV60 at checkout.”
Locally, Red Garter will be joining forces with neighbors Mochas and Meows for a special Halloween Trunk or Treat event in the shopping center.
Red Garter, located at 3265 Falls Parkway, Suite S in Branson, can be found on Highway 165, just a mile and a half south of the Titanic attraction. The shop is open seven days per week, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 12 noon until 5 p.m. on Sunday. Said Westley, “Come on out to our store and have some fun with our great low prices and awesome, great customer service.”
