Sometimes it feels as though our building is literally bursting at the seams with our lovely Customers!  On Saturday at one particular point I counted 31 customers in store at once – which, (with our existing set up) sure is a bit of a squeeze!  We’re really passionate about our high level of customer service, our unique shopping experience and of course our little pampering touches which I why we’ll all be thrilled to have more room for everyone very soon!  Our menswear department is currently on our top floor and they’ll be relocating down to our new bit in July.  We’re currently busy designing the new areas and instructing Builders on where we’d like walls put and what kind of lighting we want …. so far they’re coping well and are patiently coming to terms with my bossiness!!  Moving the Lads will come as a huge relief for many reasons; most critically it will mean customers won’t have to wait as long for an appointment with us and we’ll also have more comfortable plush waiting areas in-store too.  Rob can’t wait to move into the new part of the building - he thinks he’ll get some peace and quiet from me and Kirsty (no chance, I’ll only be upstairs Darling! – You’d have to move Counties for that and even then if I shouted you’d probably hear me!!).  And I can’t wait because it means that the men wont have to share our toilet which, (sorry Gents) can be a little frightening on occasion for us girlies….. arrr, heaven …. calm serene lovely ladies in our bit and not a beer or an extreme sports dvd in sight, soon that will all be downstairs.  Of course The Groom’s Room will continue to offer our menswear hire  and made to measure suit service but along with our extended new look menswear department we’ll be unveiling one or two more lovely surprises including a new and first exciting own label range (Oooooo????) and a gorgeous new style special room for our Brides (arrrrrr????) … I’m in heaven shopping for chintzy bits and bobs to decorate the new ladies rooms and can’t wait to start planning our little July launch do too.  Finally, whilst on the subject of our Gents a special congratulations to Mr Stephen Midgley and his wife who wed on Saturday - Everybody looked fabulous and Stephen’s Dad sent Rob and the team a lovely photo and e-mail; …….. ‘Your professional advice and attention to detail, as well as the service you provide is second to none.  The groom looked fantastic as did both fathers, as well as all the ushers, they looked so smart, it made the day perfect.  I most certainly know where to come to for future events and will recommend you to all my family, friends and work colleagues.  On behalf of myself, and my family, thank you…… ‘ , What a lovely e-mail, thank you Sir!  We’re delighted that you all enjoyed a wonderful day together – please send the happy couple our best wedding wishes once again and we hope to see you sometime soon.

March and September are the months in which we do the bulk of our wedding dress and bridesmaid dressbuying for the coming season, we order gorgeous new dresses and accessories and should see them in-store by January. Last week Rob and I went to Harrogate to meet with our Suppliers at the biggest European trade event where we excitedly watch fashion shows which showcase the latest designs and decide what dresses to order for our Brides to choose from. We have chosen some stunning new bridal gowns and accessories. It was a mega busy few days with lots of walking from stand to stand, my feet survived although I’m not so sure about my liver!! We met up with our favourite friends from the industry (Jo & Richard from the Princess Wardrobe in Pontefract) as well as other fab bridal shop owners and industry contacts. It’s a great time for networking and also a great time to let our hair down. One night we arrived back at our hotel at 3am having danced our socks off in a nightclub! We were the last to leave and both Rob and I agreed that we are getting far too old to party!! Lauren and Kirsty held the forte at the shop on Tuesday which was extremely hectic as usual. All of the wonderful weddings at the weekend went well and we returned to many lovely comments and cards, thank you all especially to Amber & Tony who delivered the most magnificent thank you gift basket of Thornton’s goodies, you are so kind and I am now so fat!!!