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BUSINESS REFERENCE : AB109 / RightBiz EXCLUSIVE RETAILER OF DESIGNER BRIDALWEAR, BRIDESMAIDS, MOTHER OF BRIDE, AND GROOM ATTIRE | | | | | | Exclusive Retailer Of Designer Bridalwear, Bridesmaids, Mother of Bride, and Groom Attire. Inc Fitting &Alterations Service Confidentially offered for sale Ref No: AB109 Location: Chester, Cheshire Leasehold Asking price: £200,000 plus stock at valuation | | | BUSINESS LOCATION: | Undisclosed Cheshire UNITED KINGDOM | | BUSINESS SECTOR: | Retail | | TRADE TYPE: | Cloths & Fabric Shops | | SALE: | Agent Sale | LEASEHOLD: | £200000 | | | | | | | | | | | BUSINESS DETAILS: | Business Profile:
This business, established some 40 years ago retails a comprehensive range of wedding wear catering for the bride, bridesmaids , mother of the bride as well as offering occassional wear and associated accessories including shoes, veils, tiarraas, cufflinks etc. In addition to this the business has more recently developed a hire service to accommodate the groom, best man, and ushers attire requirements.
The business has developed in such a way so that it has a very wide range of designs avaialble with bridalwear ranging from £250 to £3000 for a gown. It is this choice that ensures the business enjoys excellent sales revenues year on year and gives it a real edge in the market it serves so well. In addition to this the business can also provide bespoke designs to meet the most demanding client requirements.
The business offers a complete service within an intimate setting with advice readily avaialble from expereinced staff, a good choice of gowns in stock in terms of both design and size, as well as on site fitting and alterations.
The business is in touch with all the key designers and has exclusive supply agreements with around one dozen including Ian Stuart and Jenny Packham. The company carries an excellent stock of wedding gowns and has just as impressive a selection of bridesmaid dresses with over 50 colours to choose from. With separate and personal fitting and viewing areas customers receive all the help and service required from professional and attentive staff. The store has the services of bridal designer, its own in-house designer and on-site workroom on hand for those special touches.
Equipment:
The business has a fully equipped workroom with professional sewing, pressing and alterations equipment as you would expect. All fixtures and fittings are included within the sale.
Customer Service:
Because of the nature of its work customer service is at the centre of everything the business does. The business has received superb testimonials from satisfied clients over the years and continues to receive them today. It is critical that brides to be are at ease and comfortable when selecting their gown. The current owners have spent a considerable amount on the premises in terms of décor and fixtures and fittings to ensure the correct ambience is achieved. This level of service is further demonstrated by the very high levels of referrals the business enjoys from family and friends of previous clients.
This business is a highly respected founder member of the Retail Bridalwear Association.
Key Strengths:
Established in 1968, this company’s tremendous range of bridal gowns and occasion wear outfits over three floors is unrivalled in the North West . For women wishing to look stylish and elegant this business based in the centre of Chester , Cheshire is the place to visit.
The firm's highly skilled staff can provide expert advice on dress styles and shapes and carry out alterations to create the exact fit for the perfect wedding dress. All this ensures customers have a truly pleasurable experience while choosing their wedding dress.
Virtually every item of clothing required by brides, their mothers and other female guests including evening wear, hats and shoes are available. All ages and types of ceremony are catered for.
The business also enjoys the services of a nationally recognised Bridal couture specialist regarded as one of Britain 's leading bridal-wear specialists with brides travelling from all corners of the UK and beyond to commission a gown for their special day.
This business has built up an enviable reputation in the market based on 40 years history. Because of the unrivalled level of choice and the levels of service provided the business enjoys a customer base that scans the whole of the North West/North Wales Region and beyond. Most people plan their big day well in advance so the business enjoys positive cash flows and a healthy order book.
Key Opportunities:
There are many new opportunities available to a new owner not least the further development of both the sale and hire of formal menswear and attire for the groom. As already mentioned the business has only recently got involved in the hire of the male attire and has already seen impressive growth rates. This would represent a natural development to a new owner as they already have a captive audience for the bridal wedding requirements. There is also the potential to develop a Makeover service providing beauty services in house. The current premises have ample room to develop both these new sides of the business should a new owner so require.
Employees:
The vendor works full time in the business and overseas all operations. She is ably assisted by the following members of staff all of whom have a great deal of experience within the industry.
• Two Full Time Sales- Bridal Floor
• Five Part Time Sales-Bridal Floor
• Two Weekend Sales-Bridal Floor
• One Full Time Sales Mother Of Bride/ Men’s Hire,/Occasional
• Three Part Time Sales Mother Of Bride/ Men’s Hire,/Occasional
• One Full Time Alterations
• One Part Time Alterations
• One Weekend Alterations
• Part time cleaner
Advertising and Marketing:
The business advertises in local lifestyle magazines such as Cheshire Life and is also listed in The Bridal Magazine as a recommended retailer for the Merseyside and Cheshire regions. The business also has an informative and up to date website where it lists event dates for their designers as well as allowing online enquiries from prospective clients. Because the business has exclusive supply agreements with many of the designers it partners with it is very well supported within the industry. It also enjoys the best form of advertising for any business, word of mouth recommendations.
Premises:
The business is currently run from substantial leasehold retail premises, ideally located on a busy high street right in the centre of the city of Chester. Because of its location and reputation it enjoys very high footfall levels. The current lease was taken out in 2006 and has a further 7 years to run. The business is currently located over 4 floors comprising showrooms, displays, large private changing and fitting areas, toilets, workrooms, office and storage areas.
• Ground Floor total (Retail) 1047 sq ft Sales 956 sq ft Store 91 sq ft
• First Floor total (Retail) 858 sq ft Sales 607 sq ft Other 251sq ft
• Second Floor total (Fitting Rooms and Storage) 784 sq ft
• Third Floor total (Workroom, staff room,office) 398sq ft
The premises are very tastefully decorated and provide a wonderful and comfortable location for the bride to be to indulge herself. Current rent is circa £58,000 p.a. Rates are circa £16,000p.a.
Business Hours:
Monday-Saturday. 0900-1730
Sunday 1100-1600
Security:
The premises are highly visible and alarmed. The business has Redcare cover.
Financial Information:
The business is being offered for sale on a going concern basis, all financial discussions will take place directly between the vendor and all interested parties under the auspices of Turner Butler.
The business consistently achieves turnover of circa £500,000, resultant Gross Profits are a very impressive 55% (circa £275,000 p.a.). The business is very stable with excellent cash flow. Current stock levels are circa £157,000. The vendors refitted the shop at considerable expense in January 2007. This represents an ideal opportunity for a new owner to take a well established business through its next period of growth.
Reason for Sale:
The current vendor is moving abroad.
Support and Training
The owner will provide full business familiarisation, training and handover as required to ensure a smooth transfer of the business to new owners, and would even be prepared to act as a consultant for an agreed period should a new owner so require, subject to negotiation | | | | | BUSINESS STATUS: | FOR SALE | | | | | SELLER: | TURNER BUTLER | | CONTACT: | 01895 25 6000 | | REFERENCE: | AB109 / RightBiz | | ENQUIRIES: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
