Amongst the hustle and bustle of Bridal Week, Bridal Week Harrogate also saw the return of the Bridal Retail Success Academy, an insightful educational programme providing retailers with all of the guidance they could possibly need in order to elevate their business’s success. From Sunday to Monday, a seasoned panel of experts delivered thought provoking seminars as well as tailored one to one Business Advice Clinics to a plethora of boutique owners striving to make this year their most successful yet. Covering a wide array of topics including innovative social media marketing methods, sales-boosting styling strategies and impactful branding fundamentals, there were endless opportunities for every attendee to learn something new. 

Insightful Seminars

The seminar programme offered invaluable insights into how to succeed within the constantly evolving bridalwear industry. Commencing on Sunday, Director of Business Development and Customer Success at Maggie Sottero Designs Stacy Hughes led the first seminar, a fascinating session centered around elevating visibility for your business through powerful marketing strategies that will instantly capture the attentions of brides to be and gravitate them towards your boutique. Taught by owner of The Bridal Masterclass and Streamline Social Megan Garmers, the second seminar of the day focused on a multitude of methods you can utilise to elevate your bridal brand through effective social media marketing. The inspiration and innovation continued as day two commenced: Stacy Hughes was back with another seminar revolving around building unique connections with brides and making their bridal experience unforgettable, as well as how to put advanced styling strategies into practice in order to boost sales. In the afternoon, owner of EOK Studios and former Head of Marketing at Bridal Buyer, Ella O’Keefe taught retailers how they can wow their target audience with their branding, and the importance of consistent and impactful branding that matches up across each touchpoint on your bride’s journey leading up to her wedding. 

Invaluable Business Advice 

As well as the series of engaging free seminars, visitors were also invited to make the most of this educational opportunity by booking into a one-on-one session with a member of our panel of experts at the Business Advice Clinics. Based upon feedback from retailers, it’s clear that after attending one of these sessions business owners felt better equipped to tackle their toughest challenges, armed with new skills and an abundance of knowledge thanks to the targeted advice provided to them by industry experts. As well as Stacy Hughes and Megan Garmers, several other seasoned professionals offered excellent and personalised advice to visitors intending to boost their business. Owner of The Little Pearl Bridal Boutique and Customer Experience Mentor of her business ’Badass Mama’ Diana McMann shared her learnings of owning a bridal boutique with retailers, and revealed her secrets to promoting a brand without burning out. Owner of The Pantiles Bride, Go Bridal and digital agency Get Savvy Coaching Maria Musgrove-Wethey spilled the beans on how to get more appointments booked in at your boutique, and how to make the most of those appointments by closing more sales. Industry influencer, renowned UK retailer and industry columnist Abi Neill shared the secrets to her success in bridal and delved deeper into what it really takes to own, manage and grow a successful bridal store. Finally, founder of UNVEILED creative agency Julia Smith provided bespoke mentoring, copywriting, art direction, social media management and marketing advice to retailers looking to perfectly align their marketing output to attract their ideal clients right from the get-go, before they even walk into their boutique. 

The Bridal Retail Success Academy stands firmly as a key highlight of Bridal Week Harrogate 2024. The programme proves that Bridal Week Harrogate isn’t solely a buying event: it’s also an incredible opportunity to gain endless amounts of inspiration, connect with likeminded business owners and to learn from the best and brightest leaders in the industry. If you missed the chance to visit the BRSA this March, you can catch our expert line-up at Bridal Week Harrogate September.