It’s been about 8 months since my last post about business and I decided it was time for an update. I’ve been “self-quarantining” since before Thanksgiving and have had plenty of time to reflect - as well as look forward. As a side note… last May I rented a house in The Outer Banks for 2020 Thanksgiving - and had been looking forward to the first, Grass Family Beach Thanksgiving. Alas after conferring with my doctor, we decided that the kind of traveling that this type of trip would require was EXACTLY the kind of travel that was dangerous for 66 year-old adults (mostly because my grandkids had started back to school) - so we cancelled at the last minute. We were SO looking forward to the trip but only a damned fool would call his doctor/friend since grade school/Covid expert a week before Thanksgiving for his advice… and then ignore it. Needless to say Christmas was no different, but our family is strong and can withstand a few missed Holidays together. Now to business:
I have done my best to keep in touch with all of my accounts over the past 11 months and I speak to some more than others. The consensus is that 2020 was a “lost year” and my own figures reflect that. Things have seemed to pick up a little after the first of the year; I have even heard from some stores who say they have been very busy! But these are few and far between and my sense is that the bridal business in The Northeast is still a struggle.
Despite the above, I remain optimistic. Brides ARE out shopping, and the recent “relaxation” of restrictions for group gatherings (ie. Wedding Venues) should help in a big way. Only herd immunity (through vaccination) is going to truly get us back to normal, but things in that regard look promising. At the time of my last post in May, we seemed years away from a vaccine. As of today there are 2 vaccines approved in the US - and several more seem to be on the way. Not to mention over 50 million vaccinations to date with close to 2 million shots being administered each day. There is reason for hope. There is light at the end of the tunnel!
But how does a store owner plan for the future? If you are reading this blog you probably feel a lot better about the bridal business than you did last May. Stores have been selling things off of the rack to raise cash, and I can’t blame them. That… combined with most stores ordering little or nothing over the past 2 seasons have led to reduced inventories and more “room on the racks.” My companies have tried very hard over the past 12 months to support and work with our accounts, and I have tried to “stay connected” with you as well. I have heard that stores are consolidating resources for a variety of reasons; including late deliveries, pressure about placing stock orders, outdated styling, and even poor treatment from credit departments. I’m confident this is NOT the case with Paloma/Mikaella nor Calla Blanche! My sense is that stores do need fresh stock and are prepared to place orders this season. One can’t look at this as just another Fall season, but rather as the first real buying opportunity in over a year!
A new season is a few weeks away, and both of my companies have designed, photographed, and produced new collections for Fall 21. I have seen them and they are gorgeous! The images and videos should be available in early March, and I will be emailing them to my active accounts as I do each season. I did a little traveling last season and plan to visit even more stores this season - providing conditions continue to improve. I travel with great presentation materials and a full set of beaded swatches; most of my stores have at some point placed their stock orders with me through an in-store presentation. I can honestly say that you will NOT be disappointed with a dress you choose from a picture… and I will exchange something for you in the rare case that something comes in you feel you can’t sell.
But what about seeing the dresses in person, which some stores prefer? The future of New York Market is questionable, and the Chicago March Show was just cancelled. There is however an option for my accounts: the upcoming Weehawken Popup Show. I am including some details below (Please note that in addition, Maggie Sottero may be showing at a close-by hotel):
WEEHAWKEN POPUP SHOW
Monday March 22, Tuesday March 23, and Wednesday March 24
9AM - 7PM
EnVue Autograph - 550 Avenue at Port Imperial - Weehawken, NJ 07086
Private Meeting Area with only my collections
BY APPOINTMENT ONLY
Free, Valet Parking
On site Hotel Accommodations should you wish to stay overnight
Paloma Blanca - Mikaela Bridal - Calla Blanche - L'amour Bridal - La Perle Bridal
(Additional on-site exhibitors include Allure Bridal, Mori Lee, and Casablanca)
Safety will be of the upmost concern and appointments will be limited to 2-3 stores per time slot with plenty of room for social distancing. This will be your only opportunity this season to see the product in person…on live models.
Masks will be worn at all times and the room will be disinfected between each time slot.
If you already have an appointment booked with another vendor (Allure, Mori Lee, or Casablanca), scheduling an appointment with me should be an easy decision. My hope is that you feel that the opportunity to see 5 great collections in a private setting is worth the drive - and makes good business sense; especially with the cancelation of the other bridal markets. I do understand that some stores are further away from Weehawken than a one day road trip but keep this in mind: The hotel is only a quick Uber ride from the Newark Airport and there are still hotel rooms available on site at the venue. Stores loved the relaxed atmosphere of a small venue show with only a few vendors last season…and the opportunity to see 4 or 5 of the top bridal houses in one location may even be worth a plane ticket and an overnight stay. Plus its a great opportunity to get out of your store for a day and recharge your batteries.
Bottom line is that it’s time to “get back to business” for all of us, and I am excited about the long term future of our industry. I do believe I have great product for most of the stores in The Northeast. Whether it’s through an appointment in Weehawken, an in-store presentation, or a virtual meeting via Zoom, I would love to work with you this season.
If you would like to see a preview of the new collections (which should be available in a few weeks) or book an appointment for Weehawken - please reach out to me. If we are not currently working together, you should check out my website HERE, for some info and pictures of the current fashion. Either way I will be in touch with details and updates as we get closer to the launches. In the meantime… stay safe and feel free to contact me if you have questions about any of the lines I represent . Peace and Love, HG
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