High school students everywhere are getting prepared for graduation, a special occasion in their academic careers.
Shopping for clothes, tuxes, making arrangements for modifications, and more have been a part of the past several decades. One illustration of this is the Northwood company Fringe and Lace by Brittany.
Brittany Low, a native of Albert Lea, the business owner, mentioned how this time of year is specific for her business and how purchasing patterns have changed over the years.
Low’s business began as a fashion show with pop-up locations selling prom dresses. She constructed the brick and mortar structure in February 2018. Fringe and Lace then only sells fresh clothing, despite having a consignment store roots.
“All of our prom gowns are all fresh, available for buy”, Low said. Additionally, the company sells outfits, bridal dresses, and mother’s formal attire.
Six employees, counting Low, are already employed by the retailer. She claimed that the store’s costume sales are the busiest between January and March. The store is open seven days a week during graduation year, even though it is typically closed on Sundays.
Prom is a special year because it’s done in such a short amount of time, Low said. “By this stage, most of the women have already purchased their clothes,” she said, “we’re really busy with waistcoats and modifications.”
Weddings in the area typically begin in mid-April and end at the start of May, according to Low.
Customers usually visit the store from cities within a 60-mile circle. However, Low said she has even had customers come in from Rochester, Des Moines and even the Twin Cities.
People have told me that they are really looking for a small, intimate store that has that personal service and touch rather than just being shuffled through a large store, Low said.
One of the reasons the shop was able to survive while weddings and celebrations were being canceled or shrunk, Low explained, was that the state of Iowa gave her and several other women-owned companies grants to mitigate financial hardship during the crisis. Low transitioned to selling by interview only after the crisis. This has simplified the purchasing procedure and made it possible to provide users with more personal assistance.
“We can provide better customer service by having our customers guide appointments because that way we can concentrate on you,” Low said.
For the purpose of trying on bridal dresses, sessions are necessary so that the bride and her party may be helped by a designated staff part and that the store’s particular marital dressing room is accessible.
She added that walk-ins are available for viewing prom garments, but she cannot guarantee that a fitting place will be available.
Low compared the advantages of purchasing a costume or suit from a nearby business as online shopping becomes more popular.
“Getting habits have changed drastically”, she said. “I think that there’s still something really special and pleasant about buying from a brick and mortar, household- owned company”.
She added that there is also a danger when purchasing clothes online.
“I know plenty of people that have tried to buy prom dresses online, and it doesn’t show up”, she said. Many of these sites appear legitimate, but many of them are fake, according to the statement.
Low’s favourite part of homecoming time is getting to know her clients.
The best part of having the children come in here is getting to know them, learning about their lives, what they’re up to, and seeing how friendly and courteous they are, she said.
Low enjoys being a part of a program where kids can unwind from their hectic schedules and have a good time with friends.
These kids are so active, Low said, and they are being compelled to go on so many different directions, whether it be through a group, school, or National Honor Society. They’re often so busy, and graduation is just one of those occasions where I hope they can really take a step back and unwind with their friends, have some fun, and just let it be for what it is.
A bridal dress tree display will be held in June at Fringe and Lace. A collection of 12 to 20 clothes are sent to the store for a week or two to have weddings appear, look at, and try on during this function.