Business plan for CADS 5700: Entrepreneurship in Apparel and Interiors

1. Katie Gardner & Rachel Elliott

2. Business Concept
Quirky Bliss Bridal is a boutique specializing
in unique, non-traditional bridal gowns.
• Assortment of styles
• Assortment of lengths
• Variety of colorways
(not just your traditional white gown)

3. Business Overview
Quirky Bliss Bridal, located on South Congress Avenue in Austin, TX, will serve
a niche market providing an assortment of styles, lengths and color ways of bridal
gowns.
Critical Success Factors
· Provide each bride with a unique and magical experience.
· Carry an assortment of unique gowns and accessories for all women.

4. Customer Profile
“Babe” “Trendsetter” “Haute”
Modest with a unique flare On trend and loves vintage Creates trends and is cultured

5. Management Plan
Consultants - $10 per hour
● Assist lead consultants
● Schedule bridal appointments
Sales Associates - $7.25 per hour
● Assist consultants & customers
● Customer service
● Oversee front desk/check out
Katie - Owner
Lead Consultant
Buyer
Rachel - Owner
Lead Consultant
Manager
“Highly motivated employees are excited to give each bride a great experience. There
is high respect for balance, diversity, and honesty within the workplace.” - Katie
Owner salary: $40,000 - $100,000
depending on the success of the
business

6. Merchandising Plan
• Quirky Bliss Bridal will carry five primary product lines, three secondary product lines,
and an assortment of bridal accessories including veils and jewelry.
• These vendors all offer gowns in a wide range of sizes and price points, while still maintaining the quirky
aesthetic to make Quirky Bliss Bridal unlike its competition.
• Primary Vendors: Lazaro, Monique Lhuillier, Claire La Faye, Vera Wang, Mon Cheri Bridals
• Secondary Vendors: Hayley Paige, Claire Pettibone, Alfred Angelo
• Accoutrements: Etsy Shops and Vendors
CLOTHING Gowns 60% Wedding Dresses
Outerwear 10% Bridal Shawls, Coats, Gloves
ACCOUTREMENTS/
Hair 15% Veils, Hats, Hair Adornments
ACCESSORIES Other 15% Jewelry, Gown Adornments

7. Merchandising Plan
• Market Trips
• Las Vegas Bridal Market
• Dallas Bridal Market - The One
• National Bridal Market Chicago

8. Location Plan
123 South Congress Avenue
Austin, TX 78704
Store Analysis
1,200 square feet of sales floor
414 square feet of space for fitting rooms, storage,
& office space.
“Nestled in the residential area surrounding downtown
Austin will give our customers a laid back shopping experience.
Our neighbors are quirky locals, art collectors, food truck vendors,
painters, and sculptors.” - Rachel

9. Location Plan
Quirky Bliss Home
● Open floor plan
● Large display windows
● Gowns will line the left and
right side walls
● Lounge in the middle for
friends and family
● Ceiling to floor mirror for
fittings
● Vanity for accessories

10. Web Plan
Quirkybliss.com will target window shoppers, and will be purely for informational
purposes.
Social Media (Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, and Twitter)
Engaging with customers to share our day-to-day looks. #quirkyblissOOTD
● Updated daily
● “Say Yes To The Dress”
● Events
● Sales/Promotions

11. Marketing Plan
Industry Profile
● Bridal industry age is
20-60 years old with a
stable job and a higher
income.
● The more income a
consumer has, the more
likely they’ll spend more on
a gown.
● The industry uses an online
presence to reach potential
customers through social
media.
Economic Factors
● Austin, Texas median
household income range is
$15,000 - $260,000.
● Households in the central area
of Austin and to the west had a
higher income.
● Households to the east and
south had a mid to lower
income.
● Our location falls directly in
the middle of the $54,000 -
$90,000 median household
income spectrum.
Market Analysis/Needs
● Our customer is newly
engaged, college graduate,
with a steady job.
● She has a disposable
income in which she is
willing to pay more for the
“perfect” dress.
● We will utilize 5 primary
lines of non-traditional
bridal gowns .
● Our customer wants a
gown that is unique as
themselves.

12. Marketing Plan
Future Markets
● We believe that
accessories can give any
bridal gown an edge for
customers who already
have “the dress.”
● We will supply accessories
to complement traditional
and non-traditional gowns
alike.
Marketing Mix
Product:
Wedding Gowns
Accessories
- Veils
- Jewelry
Place:
Austin, Texas
Online - Social
Media
Price:
$1000 - $30,000
Markups
around 50% of
MSRP
Promotion:
Social Media
Magazines
Publicity:
Trunk Shows
Fashion Events
Trade Shows

13. Brand Strategy
Customer Service
● The key to our success
● Employees will be
trained to meet
company standards.
● Greetings, assisting,
consultations, etc.
“ The vision for Quirky Bliss Bridal is to provide a bridal boutique where offbeat
brides can find their colorful dream dress along with having a unique, nontraditional
experience, from booking the first appointment to their final fitting.”
Positioning
● Fashion forward
● Colorful, Quirky,
Fun
● We offer gowns not
shown in traditional
bridal stores, such as
David’s Bridal.

14. Financial Plan
Financial Assumptions:
• Small Business Loan: ~$63,666+
• Owners Equity Provided: $26,857
• Turnkey Startup Expenses: $87,523
• Operating Expenses: $231, 726
• Projected Sales (at maturity): $425,000
• Net Profit (at maturity): $55,774 (13.1% of total sales)

15. Financial Plan
Financial Assumptions:
• Small Business Loan: ~$63,666+
• Owners Equity Provided: $26,857
• Turnkey Startup Expenses: $87,523
• Operating Expenses: $231, 726
• Projected Sales (at maturity):
$425,000
• Net Profit (at maturity): $55,774
(13.1% of total sales)

16. Retail Operations Plan
Employee Development
We have established policies such as conducting surveys of
customers and adopting a “customer is always right” attitude
when responding to complaints pertaining to merchandise or service.
Staffing Levels
An owner/manager, bridal consultant, and sales
associate will be available during normal hours of operation. We
may require additional staffing during holiday seasons.
Hours of Operation: Monday - Saturday from 10:00 AM - 5:oo PM.

17. Retail Operations
Reporting Policies
Sales associates and consultants report directly to manager/owner on duty. Any incidents
occurring within the store will be reported to the manager.
Inventory Control
Will be managed and maintained by the owners/manager.
Security Systems
Merchandise will be monitored upon arrival and tagged with security devices to reduce the
risk of shoplifting.

18. Appendix A: Company Descriptions & Photos
Primary Vendors:
1. Lazaro
1. “Lazaro’s collection is a sumptuous mix of dreamy romance, timeless elegance and just a sprinkle of diva glam.”
2. Monique Lhuillier
1. “Monique Lhuillier designs capture the essence of sophisticated luxury by provoking femininity, allure and glamour that have made her renowned
in the world of design.”
3. Claire La Faye
1. “Claire La Faye Bridal gives a more creative, whimsical, and non-traditional approach to modern day brides.”
4. Vera Wang
1. “...collections known for sophisticated drama, feminine detailing and a modern approach to bridal design.”
5. Mon Cheri Bridals
1. “Whether you're looking for a timeless ball gown or a more modern A-line, you'll find that Mon Cheri has wedding dresses in colors, cuts, and
silhouettes for every body type.”

19. Appendix A: Company Descriptions & Photos
Secondary Vendors:
1. Hayley Paige
1. “Her imaginative interpretations and desire to dress the unique and chic have provided a foundation for an unparalleled take on bridal wear.”
2. Claire Pettibone
1. “...embodies the designer’s vision of vintage romance with an enchanted bohemian spirit.”
3. Alfred Angelo
1. “...offering elegant and affordable contemporary wedding dress and bridal party fashions.”

20. Appendix B: Resumes
.

21. Appendix C: References
★ Austin | Community Profiles | Economic Development | Austin Chamber of Commerce. (n.d.). Retrieved February 16, 2017, from
https://www.austinchamber.com/economic-development/communities/austin
★ Blue Bridal Boutique. (n.d.). Retrieved February 16, 2017, from http://bluebridalaustin.com/
★ Cohen, Anya. (2016, June). IBISWorld industry report 44819 lingerie, swimwear & bridal stores
in the US. Retrieved February 15, 2017 from http://clients1.ibisworld.com.spot.lib.auburn.edu/reports/us/bed/default.aspx?bedid=88090
★ Frequently Asked Questions. (n.d.). Retrieved February 16, 2017, from http://www.unbridaled.com/faq/
★ Libraries, A. U. (n.d.). Auburn University Libraries / Illiad @ Auburn Libraries. Retrieved February 16, 2017, from http://
clients1.ibisworld.com.spot.lib.auburn.edu/reports/us/industry/majorcompanies.aspx?entid=1071
★ Reference for Business. Data retrieved on April 6, 2017 from
http://www.referenceforbusiness.com/business-plans/Business-Plans-Volume-06/Bridal-Salon-Business-Plan.html
★ Sherman, F. (n.d.). How much do you earn running your own bridal boutique? Retrieved on
March 27, 2017 from http://www.ehow.com/info_8710621_much-running-own-bridal-boutique.html
★ SimplyMap. (n.d.). Retrieved February 15, 2017 from http://simplymap.com.spot.lib.auburn.edu/index.html
★ Wedding Dresses & Bridal Gowns. (n.d.). Retrieved February 16, 2017, from http://www.davidsbridal.com/wedding-dresses/all-wedding-
dresses#dbi