Ok, Mr. Bowie. I’m ready to turn and face the strange… the unknown. I’m ready to feel uncomfortable again. It’s been thirty years…why not? Just like the first time I opened my first store, I wasn’t 100% certain what I was doing, and here we are again. Why? You may ask. Good question really. Most people my age launch their kids and start to travel. Well, since both my husband and I own our own businesses that isn’t in the cards for us yet… that doesn’t mean we are ruling it out, but we both feel like we’re not done creating and frankly, we need to produce income. So here I go, fingers crossed and launching my second store a block away from my first. Again…why? There are a few reasons… one, my current location has yet another new owner. They’ve done some wonderful improvements, and have not pressured me to sign another lease. Enter “the Perfect Location” on North Santa Cruz. The coveted street that also comes with a much bigger rent. It fell into my lap. It’s next to Bunches Flower Shop, across the street from the Apple Store, etc. It’s a manageable size and sigh… more rent. Did that stop crazy? Nope… I’m doing it! I signed the lease and I’m opening a second store. Notice I said opening a second store… not closing my existing baby. That’s right, I realized I don’t have to close my store to open this new one. I hope I don’t have to because I know 1/2 of my customers are going to think I went out of business and not venture to N. Santa Cruz, so please spread the word.
I’d love some input… What do you like about Romantiques? What do you want to see more of? What do you think we are missing? What’s the most important aspect for shopping in store these days? What I discovered/accepted that people really want from my current location are bras. Bras outsell everything… it’s 80% of my business. That’s why I am going to keep the bra fitting and everything bra related at the OG Romantiques. I’m also thinking that luxury sweaters, loungewear and lingerie go hand in hand at the OG. So what does that mean for North Santa Cruz Romantiques. I’m thinking back to the days when I first opened. Affordable yet luxury. Price points as follows: Bras $70 and less, PJ’s/Loungewear $100 and less, Clothing… affordable yet well made. I think I just wrote my business plan without writing my business plan. Let me know what you think. Opening day will probably be in the beginning of November. More info to come! Stop by and say hi while Pete and I paint and argue where the fixtures should go. Xoxo! Sue
