HI all.
I've had a lot of time to think over lockdown. Please bear with me on this, I'm canvassing for opinions and initial thoughts only, not looking for endorsements or anything else!
I noticed that there are no preloved bridal salons other than Bridal Reloved, and they are a national chain. There are no bridal shops anywhere near me offering preloved dresses. I know of a couple of online stores but none of them are even in my area of the country. Of course, with an online store you don't get any of the excitement of an in-person shopping experience, either
I was thinking of perhaps looking into opening a preloved, affordable bridal shop in my area, but wanted to know what people thought of preloved bridal and occasion wear in general?
Also, do you think a bricks and mortar style business would be welcome, post-pandemic?
If you would consider buying preloved, what would you want from the store/staff? I would be offering alterations through a dedicated bridal seamstress.
My idea is that the shopping experience would be just like at a "new" salon, a glass of fizz, the full experience, just without the price tag. It would allow brides to sell their used dresses, help the bridal industry with it's dreadful sustainability issues, and help brides who want to get the most bang for their buck. (and hopefully provide me with a job!)
Please let me have your thoughts. As I say, it really is just a vague idea at this stage, but I would be very grateful for your thoughts.
Cheers
Ali