As I have stated before, my ultimate goal with BRAvolution is to open my own lingerie store. I know how frustrating it is to go to "specialty' bra stores and still walk out empty handed- just because they don't carry sub-32 bands!
With that said, it makes me sad when I hear of other small lingerie shops that are forced to close their doors. Within the past year, there have been two in my general area who have closed. I had the opportunity to check both of them out. They were cute shops, for sure, but they did not see the demand for sub-32 bands. Perhaps I should have let them measure me themselves, but I have problems trusting someone else to get it right.
To one of these stores, I did bring a friend of mine, and can tell you that they put her in a bra that was too big in the band, and at least two cup sizes too small. She bought it anyway, against my advice, and stopped wearing it after two or three wears because it was so uncomfortable.
I guess my question is this- have these stores closed because their customers ultimately were not satisfied with the way their bras fit them and decided not to go back? Or, is it a really bad time to start a small business in my area?
Regardless, I think my first step should be to take some classes on running a small business
<3
Laura
Laura - I am really impressed by these blog posts and I think a business based on your expertise should really do well.
ReplyDeleteThat said, I AM a retailer (gift and specialty products) and this is probably a really bad time to start any business.
THAT said - people are still buying things they really NEED, or that fill a very specific want. I would think that a properly fitting bra would be one of them.
I know I am currently ready to move into a different cup size, and am grateful to have found this blog because I just "assumed" that my problem was that the band needed to be bigger. Going to get hard to find a 42 D at the local Penneys or Kohls as that is the largest band they usually carry. Now it hadn't occured to me to go DD cup or bigger but keep the same band size (even though my full busted mom and sis kept saying you CAN'T still be a D cup ...). I just assumed I had gained a bit more weight and boobage along with it and needed a bigger band. Thank you for saving me from myself.
Thanks Angela. I hope I can help you find the right size to be in! It's great to have your support, from a retail point of view, on starting my business! I wouldn't put much stock in what other people think your size should be. Your mom and sister are most likely wearing the wrong size themselves. Feel free to share my blog with them. The more women who are open to being re-educated, the better!
ReplyDelete<3
Laura
Thanks Laura - I put in a request to join the FB group.
ReplyDeleteI can see that you are really determined to start your own lingerie store, Laura. I’m actually amazed that you want to take classes before setting up your business. You also asked good questions at the second to the last paragraph. If you want those questions answered, it’s best to conduct a survey in your area. Ask people what kinds of lingerie they think suit them. If you have money, you can also make them try some bras and get feedback. The results will be the basis for your business and sales plan. Good luck on your endeavor, Laura!
ReplyDeleteSherika Jose