Is an out of town Bridal Boutique good business or not?

Oooh! I would love to own a bridal shop! Where are you? I think I'll wait until I'm retired and get a pt job in one but it is very tempting. I guess I have two points of view on this...

1. I think it's really helpful to be in a town centre because of the high traffic - both footfall and people regularly driving by. When I got engaged, the first two shops I went to are ones that I either walk by or drive by regularly in my city centre. I always check out their windows to see what they have and was very excited to have a reason to actually go in! It was also alot easier for me because at the time I couldn't drive and had to go places that were accessible by walking or public transport.

However...

2. If I could have driven (I only just got my license a few months ago) or if I had asked a friend to drive, I would have travelled farther afield. Plus, I didn't actually get my dress at either place in town...mainly because I wanted to try on at home with my mom and sister. With them, we went to a mix of places both in town centres and out of the way places. It was more about their reputation and the variety of styles they had on offer. I think the fact that the barn has free parking and is still very close to town makes it a good option. I think you will just have to be prepared to do more marketing and get your business known locally. If you're prepared to do that, I don't think you'll have any trouble!

One thing I would say is no matter which you choose, make sure the shop is welcoming and friendly with an appealing atmosphere and style . I know there were some shops I didn't bother going to because they felt intimidating or on the other end, looked a bit dodgy.

Good luck! Let us know how it all goes!

Thanks so much for your kind response - I'm in the South-West and a lot of designers seem really lacking here! Good luck with your wedding!

I think an out of town location could work, but it may take some time and effort on your part to get a known name and of course a good reputation. But advertising and fayres would all help with that. If you can build a good rep then brides may well travel to you to try on your dresses.

Also, you could try having an opening party event to get people in initially and launch your store.

It sounds very exciting, good luck with it all.

Out of town would definatly work if you have a good internet site x

You will need great advertisment & word of mouth to get people to specifically drive there.

When I started looking for dresses, I had no idea of brand, shape etc I wanted. For me, having several bridal shops within walking of each other was very handy. I never needed to drive to a specific bridal shop & THB, woudlnt have considered it, unless I already knew the brand & couldnt get it anywhere else.

Personally for me it is about the service, first impressions & ambience (sp) I went to 4 boutique's 2 were out of town, 1 in my local town & another in a town centre but about not local to me. My 2 favourite were the ones who gave good service & made the whole experience feel special & luxurious - in one shop I was thinking I hope I don't find 'the one' here or if I do I hope another boutique can get it! As I really didn't want to go back there!!

I found 'the one' in my local boutique and am so happy that I did, the service so far has been excellent. I would have been willing to travel to the other out of town one if it had had 'the one'. For me it really was about the service & the whole experience rather than mileage.

Having said that I wouldn't have known about the 2 out of town ones if I hadn't been to a wedding fayre but they seemed to be doing well and were taking lots of bookings at the fayres.

Good luck I hope it all goes well for you - How exciting getting married & a new business!! :o)