Bridal Shop Business Plan

Executive Summary

Bella Bricolage is an upscale bridal boutique catering to brides only. We want our focus to be providing the bride with all of her one stop needs. We will offer an array of exclusive gowns, veils, head pieces, jewelry and shoes. Our store will carry exclusive gowns that you won't be able to find anywhere in Massachusetts. We cater to those brides who are eager to have the latest in trends and styles. Only one gown per size will be carried in each style gown. Our inventory will be stocked to ensure a wide range of selection for brides to choose from. Our bridal consultant team will gain a personal relationship with the clients. This gives comfort and trust to the bride, and will ensure positive word of mouth.

Bella Bricolage is a sole proprietorship, incorporated in Newton, MA and sole owner is Kerri Ollis. Kerri wants to start the business in Newton because it is centralized in an upscale neighborhood. The location is critical to our original success but will guarantee growth and stability. The purpose of this business plan is to secure start-up financing.

The projected outline within this business plan indicates sufficient funds for repayment of the requested loan.

Business Description and Vision

Bella Bricolage is a new upscale bridal boutique that is unique compared to other bridal shops in the Greater Boston area. The boutique is a sole proprietorship, owned by Kerri Ollis. The location of the store is in Newton, Ma. Although there are many bridal boutiques in Massachusetts, Bella Bricolage will offer exclusive designer gowns that many of the other bridal shops don't offer. Many of our gowns will be European. What's unique about our company is that we only have a limited stock of each gown. We want to keep the gown as rare as possible for the special bride. Various bridal stores offer an endless inventory of the same gowns, and why would you want to look like everyone else on your wedding day? Our goal is to be the most fashionable and exclusive bridal boutique in Massachusetts offering our customers a fulfilling and rewarding experience. We believe in creating a memorable shopping experience that is relaxed and enjoyable. Our goal is to exceed the expectations of our clients. We believe in providing a professional work environment to our employees that allows them to be dependable and an honest resource to our customers.

Bella Bricolage objectives:

1. To be the most exclusive bridal boutique in the Boston area that offers and array of bridal gowns, veils, headpieces, jewelry and shoes.

2. To have immense sales in the first twelve months of operations.

3. In Year 3, to have net sales double first year sales.

Bella Bricolage will have to develop a reputation for being a high end, exclusive bridal boutique that will provide brides with gowns that have not been seen anywhere else in Massachusetts. We will need to provide exceptional customer service that will put the brides' needs and wants first. Our inventory will have to stay fresh and constantly having the newest designs in stock. We will continuously review and adjust our inventory levels accordingly. We will only carry one size per dress in inventory so gowns stay exclusive to brides. Advertising and promoting of the boutique will be in areas that targets our specific market such as in bridal magazines, newspaper, radio, and upscale spas.

Definition of the Market

The primary targets of Bella Bricolage are brides who are fashionistas. The targeted age of most women will be from 25-40. These women will be from mainly the Massachusetts area, and they will represent sophisticated women eager to find their dream gown that is rare. These women from the area are highly educated, and know exactly what they want in life. Their dream wedding is about to take place, and they will do whatever it takes to have the perfect gown. These women will have budgets of $3,000 or higher.

The second target market will focus on women from other states. One of our goals is to be nationally known. We welcome brides from surrounding states to experience a taste of exclusivity. Many people coming in to browse will see our beautiful selection of jewelry, so we will also target window shoppers.

Market Segmentation

Bella Bricolage will be targeting to middle to high income brides as well as their parents. It has been tradition that the bride's family pays for wedding costs. However, that trend seems to be breaking and many couples are paying for wedding costs. So, both the couple and the bride's family will be targeted.

In addition to the brides outfit, Bella Bricolage will provide the bride with an ample choice of vital pieces that will complete her look on her big day. We will provide an array of jewelry, shoes, headpieces, and veils. Many walk ins will stop in to shop around for the perfect pieces to their outfit.

Description of the Products and Services

Bella Bricolage will carry unique and extravagant European bridal gowns that will be exclusive. In addition to carrying bridal wear, we will provide an exceptional display of jewelry, bridal footwear, veils and headpieces.

At Bella Bricolage, the goal is to keep the gowns as limited as possible. This means that the dresses will be sold on a made to order basis. We will carry only one gown per size per style. We will carry the sample size in store for our clients to view and try on. If the condition of the floor sample is up to par with the bride, they have the option of purchasing that gown. This may be an option for last minute brides who can't wait to have a dress shipped. Once that size is gone, we will not re-order it. Our inventory will be stocked and rotated often.

Retail buying is usually done in four seasons, however most bridal inventory is only done in two seasons. Since our inventory is constantly changing, our buyers will be buying all year to secure different trends for all seasons. Bella Bricolage will work closely with designers that will allow us to purchase a different amount of samples throughout the season.

Our exclusive and sophisticated selection of bridal gowns will include brands such as

* Alvina Valenta

* Badgley Mischka