The Balancing Act James Waddington of Romantica is now dealing with a bigger than ever portfolio of collections, handling the Mon Cheri Bridals ranges for the UK and Europe, as well as UK distribution for Special Day. Who better to advise retailers on what to stock... and how? Take a good look at what your silhouettes, price points and sizes – current suppliers are offering at whatever they may be in your area. Harrogate. Do they have the gowns Many stores I have spoken to in the you need to fill your gaps? Or are past few months have been having to sell gowns off their rails in volumes like you going to have to look for another never before. Maybe you have big gaps label? A big show like Harrogate is a in certain size ranges or certain styles? great opportunity to meet with existing suppliers and to find new ones, but in Secondly, think about the brides such a large exhibition take care not to he decision on what to stock you have had coming in – have they go snow blind! been looking for something different in your store needs to be a Do a bit of research – going to the balancing act between your to what they had in mind before the show armed with a hit list of existing pandemic? head and your heart. Your and new labels Are they head because you need to know will help you get looking to go all that the companies you are working Knowing what direction you the most out of with are reliable in their dealings with out in the most the experience. decadent gowns you, and proactive in helping you to need to take your rails in Prior to the show, market your boutique. And your heart, – possibly as because of demand will be check if those a reaction to because if you don’t love the gowns 18 months of you carry, then how will your brides? key to making sure you can you want to see are working to dressing lowI am hoping to provide a few continue to grow your business an appointment pointers on things I would think about key? Or are system to help they looking for when investing in collections and something lighter and more flowing as stop overcrowding, and also if their designers over the coming months. collections are available in your area. they have missed the opportunity to dance with family and friends and just That way, you can make some key Think this through decisions early. want to let their hair down? Firstly, take stock of what you I would also consider whether Knowing what direction you need to currently have in your store. Is there brides’ needs are changing because take your rails in because of demand anything missing? Unless you are a of the current circumstances. With so will be key to making sure you can very specialist store and focused on many venues booked up into 2023 and continue to grow your business over a specific area, I would advise you beyond, could this force more brides the months and years ahead. to carry the most asked-for fabrics,
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