Making Dreams come True

If you're looking for a people business with low overheads and the potential for high profits, Lola Gray could be just the opportunity you've been looking for.

Lola Gray is a new breed of bridal wear retailer whose simple premise is to offer 'brides to be' an extensive selection of exclusively designed dresses, in any size and at half the price of traditional retailers.

Service that leaves traditional retailers standing at the altar

Working from a secondary high street shop or dedicated home-showroom, you can create a flexible service to suit your customers by scheduling daytime, evening or weekend appointments. Customers will love the comfortable and relaxed environment you create for them, the wide range of styles and sizes of dresses they can choose from, the quick delivery time, and of course the lower price.

'Our collection appeals to all markets,' remarks Richard Nyman, Managing Director. 'It is exclusive and only available through Lola Gray consultants. Nowhere else offers a full range of sizes from 8 to 24, and nowhere else can the bride receive her dress, bridesmaid dresses, or flower girl dress in a matter of weeks.'

Established as a franchise in 2004, Lola Gray has already awarded its Master Franchise for Ireland and appointed six franchisees. 'Lola Gray is a completely unique concept with an unrivalled service that leaves other bridal retailers standing at the altar,' exclaims Richard. 'We know we've got something exciting. The business feels and looks good. We're entering a value-driven market and have hit it at just the right time.'

We said 'I do' to Lola Gray

For Helen Woodbridge and friend Jane Bevan, having the flexibility to combine running their business with looking after their families has been a dream come true. 'After starting a family I wanted to go back to work but as my own boss,' explains Helen. 'With Lola Gray I can combine business and family and as my family grows I can also grow the business.' Jane agrees: 'For me, it's been the realisation of a dream to be at home with the family but also running a business I enjoy, and being in partnership with a close friend.' This is a people business and both Helen and Jane find it a fulfiling industry to work in. 'We're helping people to fulfil their dreams,' confirms Helen. 'It's a fantastic industry to work in.' The girls describe a recent bridal consultancy: 'She tried on Ballerina, Jewel and Bijou dresses and liked them all. She compared them to a dress she tried on at a local shop - which seemed to be giving her the hard sell. She was amazed at our prices and the fact we could deliver virtually immediately upon receipt of the order.'

As new franchisees, Helen and Jane have welcomed the attentive support provided by Lola Gray as part of the franchise package. 'We're in constant contact with Richard,' confirms Jane. 'He is supportive but also lets us do our own thing.'

Helen adds: 'We've had a really positive response from customers and 100 per cent backup from Lola Gray, which is very reassuring for us.'

Maeve Joyce from Galway left her job in marketing and sales to pursue her dream of running her own business. 'I was looking for a low investment business requiring few staff and with low overheads,' she recalls. 'I was immediately drawn to Lola Gray. It is very straightforward and the market is simple to understand.'

As her own boss, Maeve enjoys scheduling her own appointments and the independence. 'Customers love the privacy a private home offers and the fact that I devote the whole of my time to them. I can schedule appointments to suit my customers and my home life. The greatest advantage is having support available whenever I need it. The company genuinely cares about me and my business.'

Partners in success 'We're looking for dynamic, sales-driven individuals looking to make a relatively low investment in a turnkey franchise which has low overheads and the potential for high profits,' reveals Richard. 'You will have advice and support whenever you need it from our dedicated team and will benefit from our vast experience of the retail and bridal wear markets. We are a progressive company and will be adding eight new styles to our collection this month alone.'

Una Kennedy-Boyd, Ireland Master Franchisee has around 20 years of retail experience and believes Lola Gray has a very positive future. 'We've just finished our first show in Belfast and had a massive response. The brand is in the early stages of becoming something big in the bridal industry. This is something very new and very exciting suited to self-motivated and enthusiastic individuals. We're aiming for Lola Gray to become one of the leading bridal retailers in Ireland and the UK.'