I am sure you all have heard.
The retail juggernaut Anthropologie/Urban Outfitters is jumping on the bridal bandwagon, with dresses to be priced in the $500 - $5,000 range.
Instead of waxing poetic, it makes me want to speak in tongues.
Before I go on, a disclaimer. I worked briefly at Anthro as a Sales Associate and do occasionally shop there. My bitterness is not some anti-mainstream I'm-too-indie-cool-for-school rant. They do have cute stuff, and their bridal collection is sure to measure up. This simply is a plea for small business. Even though mine is dead and gone, my entrepreneur heart beats on.
Since closing last year, I have come to realize that there is serious bridal boutique hate out there. This makes Anthro getting into bridal the biggest news since J. Crew joined the fray. Some see it as another mark in the column for the consumer and another nail in the evil bridal empire's coffin.
Remember, most bridal salons are privately owned small businesses whose practices are fair and ethical, deserving a shot at earning your business.
Why?
The personal service and investment when working with a small business is unparalleled. I can't tell you how many times I opened when we were closed, gave out my personal mobile number (call anytime), stayed well past closing, and made personal deliveries to customers.
Each gown was treated as if it were my own. I was accountable if there were errors, crises, or unhappy customers, and I was proud and delighted when things were perfect. I stopped at nothing and did everything I could in my power to make my customers happy. I know I am not the only one with that kind of conviction.
At a small bridal shop, brides are able to choose a gown that will be custom made, with changes and specifications unique to each customer. While garments cannot be purchased off the rack, as at Anthro and J. Crew, they are well worth the wait and your consideration.
It seems like flawed reasoning to believe you are getting a deal and sticking it to the (bridal) man when dresses will be in the same price range as the local bridal shop and you are actually buying from the man.
That kind of thinking chips away at small businesses one dress or wedding planning service at a time (you will soon be able to work with Anthro for everything from flowers to stationery). Certainly, bridal shops, designers, and wedding vendors can't all deserve that fate?
Whatever products Anthropologie produces, I know they will be beautiful and worth a look. Just try not to buy completely into the hype, shop around, and choose what works best for you.
P.S. - If you feel bad for me losing my business, don't! Closing provided a springboard into a career doing something I never thought someone would actually pay me to do...write! Everything really does happen for a reason.
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