Designer Bridal Boutique In Wells For Sale

Business description

HIGHLIGHTS:
• Upmarket bridal and accessories shop
• Leading designer labels stocked
• Excellent opportunity for owner run business
• Multi aspect high street presence

LOCATION:
Wells, which is in the Mendip district of Somerset on the Southern edge of the Mendip Hills, has been an ecclesiastical city of importance for hundreds of years. Part of Wells Cathedral, which is a Grade 1 listed building, date back to the 10th century. It is known for its fine vaulted ceilings, Lady Chapel and windows, and the scissor arches which support the central tower. Together with the Bishop’s Palace (still used by the Bishop of Bath and Wells) it draws enormous numbers of visitors to the area on a year round basis.

Wells has had city status since 1205. This was confirmed and formalised by Queen Elizabeth II by letter patent issued under the Great Seal dated April 1, 1974.

As well as the Cathedral and Bishop’s Palace Wells has all the modern conveniences plus charm, interesting shops, hotels and restaurants. The city has a considerable and wealthy catchment and successfully attracts business from the surrounding area boosted by its reputation as a centre for high quality local produce and a full range of services delivered in a most attractive trading environment.

BUSINESS:
This is a well established bridal shop of some repute that has been created by the present owner and offers sought after bridal gowns and accessories. Many of the items stocked are on a geographically exclusive basis and brides to be are known to have travelled from neighbouring counties specifically for them. Stocking an envious selection of designers, including Suzanne Neville (designer of the year), Stephanie Allin, Sophia Tolli and Augusta Jones to name but a few, a Bride will be spoilt for choice. Dresses by Stephanie Allin can be seen in the hit movie ‘Last Chance Harvey’, which is an excellent indicator of the quality and elegance of the gowns.

All of the dresses are made from silk and are complimented by exclusive shoes (Pure and Precious) and accessories, including fascinators and jewellery by leading designers (Halo) to complete the outfit. The highly qualified seamstresses are more than capable of altering the gowns to individualise them still further.

Business hours are 10:30am - 4:30pm Tuesday to Saturday; it is recommended that an appointment is made.

YEARS ESTABLISHED:
Five

REASON FOR SALE:
Client wishes to focus on their young family.

STAFF:
2 x 2days per week
1 x 1 day per week
The owner works on average 1 day per month

DESCRIPTION OF PROPERTY:
A wonderful feeling of serenity is experienced when walking through the door; stripped wooden floor and light flooding in via the two large windows create a calming effect on visitors. This is further enhanced by the use of large mirrors which act as focal points within the display area, and create a light, airy feel for the room.

To one end of the premises are 3 changing rooms, one of which is currently being used to hold extra stock and is blanked off from being viewed from outside by way of a curtain. It is this “redundant” window space that could be better utilized by the business in a number of ways.

At the rear of the property is a small kitchenette area with a sink, further storage area with a sink and a separate WC.

OUTSIDE:
Located on a junction, the premises’ dual aspect helps promote the business irrespective of which direction the clients arrive from.

Limited on street parking (subject to time restrictions) and a public car park some 100m away.

TENURE:
The premises benefit from a 10 year lease from January 2005, details of which have been requested from the vendor.
Leasehold – current running Jan 05- Jan 2015. Rent of £1000pcm.

RATES:
Believed to be £5000, but this is under appeal.

LEGAL FEES:
Vendors and Buyers each to meet their own legal costs, but if a lease is to be assigned from the vendor to the buyer they will also be expected to share the landlord’s legal costs on a 50/50 basis. If a buyer wishes to negotiate a ‘new’ lease, they will be responsible for all the landlord’s legal costs.

LOCAL AUTHORITY:
Somerset County Council

SERVICES:
All main services connected.

COMMENTS:
A wonderful opportunity has arisen for an owner manager to develop and enhance the solid foundation laid by the present owner. The business has a reputation for providing sound and sympathetic guidance to brides, complimented by a range of accessories to finish off the beautiful dresses in preparation for their big day.

It has been recognized that there is the potential to enhance the business either by forging of relationships with associated businesses, by using part of the window display for other businesses or a combination. In addition, the new owners may wish to have a more active involvement in the day to day running of the business, focusing on enhancing the marketing proposition in conjunction with the designers and associated businesses to provide a one stop shop.

Property information

Property:

Leasehold