Q&A for How to Start a Bridal Shop

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How do you build an effective brand?

Pete Canalichio
Brand Strategist & Licensing Expert
Pete Canalichio is a Brand Strategist, Licensing Expert, and Founder of BrandAlive. With nearly 30 years of experience at companies such as Coca-Cola and Newell Brands, he specializes in helping brands find the most authentic parts of their story to build a brand strategy. Pete holds an MBA from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a BS in Physics from the United States Naval Academy. In 2006, he won an MVP Award from Newell Brands for his contributions to their Global Licensing department. He’s also penned the award-winning book, Expand, Grow, Thrive.

Pete Canalichio

Brand Strategist & Licensing Expert

Expert Answer

Make sure that you really understand your brand's story, and that you're able to communicate that story to your target audience. Once you do that, you get people approaching your business with interest since they have a good idea of who you are and what you stand for.

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How can you start a business with little or no money?

Pete Canalichio
Brand Strategist & Licensing Expert
Pete Canalichio is a Brand Strategist, Licensing Expert, and Founder of BrandAlive. With nearly 30 years of experience at companies such as Coca-Cola and Newell Brands, he specializes in helping brands find the most authentic parts of their story to build a brand strategy. Pete holds an MBA from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a BS in Physics from the United States Naval Academy. In 2006, he won an MVP Award from Newell Brands for his contributions to their Global Licensing department. He’s also penned the award-winning book, Expand, Grow, Thrive.

Pete Canalichio

Brand Strategist & Licensing Expert

Expert Answer

Get help from people in organizations that charge little to nothing. The Small Business Administration is a good place to start, because they have locally-provided services. These are typically seasoned experts who are either retired or in a second career, and they're coming back to help individuals start their businesses. You could also join entrepreneurial groups—all the members have shared needs and a lot of similarities, so you can learn from one another.

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Question

How do I reach bridal gown and accessories suppliers?

Community Answer

Check their websites, e-mail, or call them based on the information that you can find on their website.

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Question

Can I start my bridal business at home?

Community Answer

Absolutely!

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Question

Where do I start to purchase sample dresses for the store? Is there a directory of some sort?

Community Answer

You can attend bridal trade shows where the designers will be and you can view their collections.

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Question

How many bridal dresses should I have in stock if I want to open a business?

Community Answer

Between 30-50, depending on the amount of space you have. Make sure you have samples in a variety of sizes as there is nothing worse than when a bride walks in who is a size 20 and you only have samples in smaller sizes.

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Question

What size dresses should I stock for trying on?

Community Answer

It is important to have a selection of sizes ranging from size 4-20. A bride will go elsewhere if you can't accommodate her, and you will risk losing referrals.

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How much money do I need to start a bridal shop?

Community Answer

Between inventory, start-up expenses including furnishings, decor, inventory and operating/office costs, plus cash to pay monthly expenses, you'd need around approximately 200K for starters.

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