ONTARIO — Bridal & Formal Wear by B is making a big move.
Not only is the local bridal boutique moving from its 564 N. Lexington-Springmill Road location to the nearby Richland Mall, the owner Bonnie Schwiger has plans to expand what’s offered at the new store front by collaborating with other vendors.
In addition to the gowns, tuxedo rentals, accessories, alteration services and more already offered, Schwiger wants to bring in a florist, a wedding planner and eventually other local vendors, too.
“We want people to stay local and shop local,” Schwiger said. “This is the concept we are trying to put together.”
Her goal is to make it a one-stop shop for brides.
“We will have all of this knowledge between us,” she said.
Tara Beaire of Tara’s Floral Expressions is excited to be involved in Schwiger’s plan.
“We need to work together,” she said.
The floral shop isn’t picking up and moving though. Beaire will stock flowers in a cooler at Bridal By B’s, which people can buy.
She thinks it will be convenient for people with friends and family staying in neighboring Avita Hospital, but also hopes brides will stop by her shop, 48 W 4th St., after seeing the flowers displayed at the mall.
She’s still unsure when she will have the cooler installed in the new Bridal By B location.
The move to the mall will decrease the amount of space the store has, but this isn’t a concern for Schwiger. She even fit a selfie spot for customers to take photos in their new dresses.
“The space isn’t as important as what we are offering them,” she said. “I don’t want a volume of dresses. I want a style.”
After being in the business for more than 30 years, she still stays updated with the latest trends and makes sure the racks at Bridal & Formal Wear by B are stocked with the latest styles.
Many customers come to her with pictures from Pinterest in hope of finding a similar gown. Lately, she’s seen many people looking for lace dresses or high necklines. Her collection reflects this.
While she recalls past times when she would flip through magazines with customers, Schwiger says most brides now show up with a dress in mind.
A grand opening event will be held in July, but the store in the mall will be open in the meantime. Schwiger decided to postpone the ribbon cutting ceremony to better focus on customers after the move. She knows that Tara’s Floral Expressions and other vendors need a little more time to move in.
The previous Lexington-Springmill Road location (near Kohls) will remain open until the end of June. Some dresses will remain at this location on sale. And all of the furniture, racks and other fixtures that aren’t taken to the mall will also be for sale.
To learn more about Bridal & Formal Wear by B, visit bridalbyb.com or call (419) 529-2009. Appointment requests are encouraged.
Store hours are 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday, Thursday and Friday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday. The shop is closed on Tuesday and Sunday.
But the store will be closed at 1 p.m. Saturday, May 27 and reopen at 11 a.m. Wednesday, May 31 while the final stages of the moving process take place.
