retail profiles // classy // kiss and make-up

Number of stores: 1
Square footage: 900
Year Opened: 1984

Amanda Torres Price, BODY: Describe your store.

R.M: Kiss and Make-up has served Richmond for 26 years. We offer personalized service with our clientele to help create a flattering look. We offer a wide range of sizes and variety of styles, from a 28 through 52 band and AA to K cup sizes. We have bra-sized swimwear, various corsetry and sensual lingerie from petite to plus size. Our goal is to make a woman feel beautiful and sexy no matter what she purchases and to offer our knowledge of any item of interest.

A.T.P.: What makes your store special?

R.M.: Knowledge of product and experience coupled with personal time and advice create an atmosphere of comfort and trust. My degree in social work helps me to make women feel comfortable when I am fitting [them] or giving advice on a personal item being purchased.

A.T.P.: What brands are important to your store?

R.M.: Wacoal is one of my favorite brands, Panache and Fantasie of London are also popular along with Freya and Elomi. Felina is another favorite along with Le Mystere. The Tisha bra [by Le Mystere], a bra that changed the bra industry several years ago, still sells well [for us].

A.T.P.: Who is your customer base made up of?

R.M.: 65 percent of my customers are women [from ages] 25 to 75. 35 percent are men.

A.T.P.: What does your average customer spend per visit to your store?

R.M.: My average sale is usually $75 to $150; many buy two or three bras on their first trip and then return to buy swim, sports bras or strapless bras here; we have a loyal following, many [customers] have been coming to my shop for many years.

A.T.P.: What is your average customer size?

R.M.: We fit many women in cup sizes D and above, [with] 34D being one of the most popular sizes. We also fit many girls in smaller bands and larger cup sizes.

Store Address: 5432 Patterson Ave., Richmond,Va 23226.