We recently connected with Abby Heitzig + Harley Rensing See above and have shared our conversation below.
Abby Heitzig + Harley Rensing, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Let’s start with what makes profitability in your industry a challenge – what would you say is the biggest challenge?
Our biggest profitability challenge has been competing with online “bridal stores.” We are seeing a lot of brides and bridesmaids go with the online option to save on costs for their dresses needed. The problem with these online stores is the quality in which the products come in is usually poor in nature. Consumers are then rushing to a brick and mortar store in a crisis and time crunch to find a quality dress! We have witnessed issues with sizing, quality, color, etc. that cannot be corrected by a seamstress.
We feel that a bride and bridal party deserve the best experience they could ask for, which typically is going to happen at an actual store. Our store offers dresses at every budget. We have bridal gowns as low as $100 and special occasion dresses as low as $10. Our prices range from those costs to $3000 to fit everyone’s budget. We do not sacrifice quality for profitability. We would rather offer high quality products at an affordable price along with a memorable and positive experience.
The other issue with online stores, that we personally don’t agree with, is that some of these stores, and stores outside of the bridal industry, have unethical workplace practices which is another way of keeping their cost so low.
Our business strives to make our customers feel comfortable with the quality of their purchases as well as the cost associated. Weddings often times have a big price tag, which is why we want to always keep our customers in mind and offer affordable prices in every budget!
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
Located in the Metro East area of Illinois, right outside of Saint Louis in Highland. Maroon Bridal & Co. strives to offer the best bridal shopping experience you will find for miles! Our unique, warm, inclusive experience will make your yes to the dress day, one of the best days! We are inclusive to all types of brides and we welcome ANYONE that wants to come shop. At Maroon Bridal & Co we love two people who are in love. We want to make sure that our experience is the second easiest yes you’ve said!
Our store is size inclusive as well, so there are sizes ranging from 6-30 and most of our designers are able to offer custom sizing as well.
We want your bridal dress shopping experience to be fun, exciting, and ALL ABOUT YOU! That is why our bridal boutique is the place to go to find your dream dress. We offer a stress free environment and a private setting for each bride to try on dresses with friends & family. You will work with your own personal bridal consultant who will be able to pull dresses for you to try on as well as show you around the store to pull a few of your own choices.
We add new styles on a regular basis, so no matter how often you visit, you’ll always find something new. Visit us in person to experience our incredible customer service and runway-inspired products and enjoy the Maroon Bridal & Co difference for yourself.
Our store has a Taylor Swift inspired aesthetic, as we’ve both been inspired and uplifted by her music for almost 20 years!
How did you build your audience on social media?
We began our social media journey very early on in our business venture. We started posting on social media about 4 months before we opened to form a media presence. Our following grew quite a bit and we couldn’t be happier with the support we have gotten.
Our best advice is to never “feel annoying” when posting. You should post multiple times per day, per week so your presence is known and taken seriously! Our following also appreciates our once in awhile more personal posts, as we think it is relatable!
What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?
We feel it has helped that we both have very driven, strong, and confident personalities. We are both highly educated and have a good presence with our customers. We also keep things real, rather than sugar coating anything and we feel that’s a really important aspect to maintain.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.maroonbridalco.com
- Instagram: @maroonbridalco
- Facebook: Maroon Bridal & Co
Image Credits
Abigail Munshaw Photography