Yahoo News 'I’ve loved very minute’ - Long-established Grimsby bridal boutique business up for sale
A thriving bridal shop business with a large and loyal customer base and a “reputation for excellence” is on the market due the retirement of the owner.
Proposals has been a feature of Abbeygate in Grimsby for decades. Now, proprietor Tina Sanders is bidding farewell to the business that she says has been “fantastic” to be associated with for 35 years. “I love this industry,” said Tina, who has supplied wedding gowns and prom dresses to generations of customers.
“It’s a fantastic place to work. In my head, I’m 49, but I know I’m not; I’m 75. The business needs to be passed on to someone younger, someone who knows all about things like TikTok, I do think it’s the way you have to go.”
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Tina and her team have supplied “countless” brides with their wedding gowns – and now their daughters with prom dresses. On such special occasions, Proposals has become the place to turn to, for its diverse range of dresses.
Tina said: “We’ve been talking about all of the brides we must have helped over the years. Things have changed since I started 35 years ago – at one time girls would only want one wedding dress, for example; we have just sold three to one bride and it is quite common for someone to want two.
“Things are looking a lot more simple at the moment when it comes to styles, with very plain dresses in demand. Also, we’ve not sold a white dress in years; they are all ivory or Champagne or nude – and pink is very big at the moment, and even floral or patterned dresses.
“Change hasn’t only come about with dresses. You always used to get married on a Saturday; one of the most popular days for a wedding in 2024 is a Monday, and this year September 23 is down as the busiest day for getting married.”
Tina said: “We’re just waiting for our 2025 stock to come in. We do our buying in London and mainly Harrogate, twice a year.”
Proposals began life above men’s shop Garrards and has occupied a total of three different premises, all in Abbeygate. Tina was keen to stress that Proposals was not closing, as some people have mistakenly thought.
“Proposals is going nowhere,” she said. “I will really miss it but things need to move on. All our brides have been lovely and it’s always been about making people happy; I’ve enjoyed every minute of it.”
Proposals is on the market with TES Property (Lincolnshire) with the agent saying: “This turnkey business is a fantastic opportunity for an entrepreneur passionate about the bridal and formal wear industry or an existing boutique owner looking to expand their portfolio. With a loyal customer base and a reputation for excellence, this business offers immense growth potential in a thriving market.”
The premises are available by way of a new lease and include a retail area that is divided into two sections, a store, a kitchen and a toilet. The stock is also available at valuation via separate negotiation.
