Mar. 15—By Ayanna Eckblad
NORTHWOOD — High school students everywhere are getting prepared for graduation, a special occasion in their academic careers.
Shopping for garments, tuxes, making arrangements for modifications, and more has been happening in recent months. One illustration of this is the Northwood company Fringe and Lace by Brittany.
Brittany Low, a native of Albert Lea, the business owner, mentioned how this time of year is specific for her business and how purchasing patterns have changed over the years.
Low’s shop was founded as a fashion show with pop-up locations selling prom dresses. She constructed the brick and mortar structure in February 2018. Fringe and Lace then exclusively sells new clothing, despite its original role as a consignment store.
” All of our prom gowns are all fresh, available for purchase”, Low said. Additionally, the company sells outfits, formal wear for parents, and bridal gowns.
Six employees, counting Low, are already employed by the retailer. She claimed that the business is most busy from January to early March in terms of clothing payments. The store is open seven days a week during graduation year, even though it is typically closed on Sundays.
Prom is a special year because it’s over in such a short amount of time, Low said. By this point, the majority of the women have previously purchased their gowns, leaving us only occupied with waistcoats and alterations.
Weddings in the area typically begin in mid-April and end at the start of May, according to Low.
Clients usually visit the store from cities within a 60-mile circle. However, Low said she has even had customers come in from Rochester, Des Moines and even the Twin Cities.
People have told me that they are really looking for that small, personal shop that has that personal service, that personal touch as opposed to just being shuffled through a large store, so I really like reading that,” Low said.
One of the reasons the shop was able to survive while weddings and celebrations were being canceled or shrunk, Low explained that the state of Iowa gave her and several other women-owned companies grants to mitigate financial hardship during the crisis. Low transitioned from selling by interview only after the crisis. This has simplified the purchasing procedure and allowed for more personal customer support.
” We can provide better customer service by having our customers guide meetings because that way we can concentrate on you,” Low said.
For the purpose of trying on bridal gowns, sessions are necessary so that the bride and her party can be helped by a designated staff part and that the store’s particular marital dressing room is accessible.
She added that walk-ins are available for viewing prom garments, but she cannot guarantee that a fitting place will be available.
Low discussed some of the advantages of purchasing a costume or tuxedo from a local business as online shopping becomes more popular.
” Getting habits have changed drastically”, she said. ” I think that there’s still something really special and pleasant about buying from a brick and mortar, household- owned company”.
There is also a chance when shopping online for clothes, she continued.
” I know plenty of people that have tried to buy prom dresses online, and it does n’t show up”, she said. ” A lot of times what happens is, a lot of these websites look legit but they’re counterfeits… That does n’t happen for us”.
Low’s favourite part of homecoming time is getting to know her clients.
The best part of having the children around is getting to know them, learning about their lives, what they’re up to, and seeing how kind and courteous they are, she said.
Low enjoys being a part of a program where children can unwind from their hectic schedule and have a good time with friends.
These kids are so active, Low said, and they are being pushed in a variety of directions, whether it’s through a group, school, or National Honor Society. They’re usually so busy, and graduation is just one of those occasions where I hope they can really take a step back and unwind with their friends, have some fun, and just let it be for what it is.
A bridal dress tree display will be held in June at Fringe and Lace. A collection of 12 to 20 clothes are sent to the store for a week or two to have weddings appear, look at, and try on during this function.
Fringe and Lace by Brittany is at 808 Central Ave. in Northwood. For more information or to book an appointment, attend or visit 641- 323- 7400.