retail profiles // classy // ribbons and bows

Ted Vayos, BODY: Describe your store.

Elissa Loynes: We are located in one of the finest shopping areas of West Texas full of local boutiques that cater to women. We strive to be a classy, elegant intimates and sleepwear boutique, offering a full range of inventory to accommodate every woman’s needs. We carry fun and sexy lingerie as well as classic bridal trousseau, maternity and children’s sleepwear, nursing bras, women’s robes and sleepwear, and we specialize in bra fittings from sizes 30A to 46K.

Ted: What makes your store special?

Elissa: Customers shop with us because of our expertise in bra fittings, great customer service & the relationships we build.

Ted: What do you look for in a brand?

Elissa: Many ladies shop with us for brands that are carried in stores like Nordstroms and Bloomingdales because we don’t have either in West Texas. For bras and pajamas, our most important brands are Chantelle, Natori, Wacoal, Elomi, Freya, Pj Salvage, Josie and DKNY. Other brands we do well with are Cake Maternity, Shirley of Hollywood, In Bloom by Jonquil & Blush. We look for vendors who understand the importance of small businesses and who go above and beyond to stay in contact and get to know our store.

Ted: What are the latest trends?

Elissa: Because of our bridal registry and bra fittings, customers can range anywhere from 20-80 years old. Our trends vary greatly by brand and style because of the variety of women that shop with us. Many of our customers come in looking for something practical and leave with something fun as well (especially our ladies who have never had a bra that fits correctly!).

Ted: Describe your price points and size ranges.

Elissa: Lingerie runs from $30 to $100, bras from $40 to $90 and sleepwear from $50 to $200. We carry bras in sizes 30A-46K and typically sleepwear and lingerie in sizes small through 1X/2X.
Ted: What is your typical or average customer size?

Elissa: We have just been carrying bras for 2 years now and our average bra size is a 36D. We also have many women that come in after breast augmentations or reductions.

Ted: What does the average customer spend per visit to your store?

Elissa: Customers usually spend anywhere from $60-$150 per visit.

Ted: Describe your customer.

Elissa: Our customers are mainly women but we have an amazing customer base of husbands who shop with us heavily during the holidays.

Ted: What else can you tell us about Ribbons and Bows?

Elissa: I purchased the store on June 1st, 2012 after working here for 1 year. In 2011, I became a distributor for a company called It Works and because of that business, I was able to buy Ribbons & Bows when I was just 23 years old. Carolyn, my manager and I, have loved every minute of taking care of the store and expanding the brands and styles that we carry.