Lingerie life: Bricks and Mortar to eCommerce

Lingerie life: Bricks and Mortar to eCommerce: The shop and eCommerce Lincoln Bra Lady started out as a small appointment only business, from my home.  During my first year I gradual...

Bricks and Mortar to eCommerce

The shop and eCommerce

Lincoln Bra Lady started out as a small appointment only business, from my home.  During my first year I gradually increased my stock holding of lingerie and took on more brands.  Towards the end of the first year I became aware that storing 8 semi-clad mannequins in my bedroom was getting a bit creepy come bedtime!

I had embarked on several bra fitting courses, including specialist fitting.  My knowledge had become enriched and my skill set for fitting bras and helping ladies find the right bra for them had become more than just a job, it was a passion.

I moved my small business to retail premises just after a year of trading.  This rather large leap of faith took not only a huge wedge of cash to fit out a shop, but also the determination and mind set to believe in what you are doing.

The late nights and early mornings become a way of life when you have your own business.  The orders and accounting, tidying and sorting, fetching window display items (or trying to think of new and interesting ones, that is actually a sleepless night!) and someone has to clean the loo! 

The shop has continued to grow month on month for 3 years now, we have more stock and choice, we have taken on new brands and moved away from others.  The business changes constantly, it is continually moving and developing to keep up with our ever changing and growing customer base.

We have fitted ladies from near and far.  Our ladies from afar have been the driving force behind the addition of an online retail boutique. We have fitted them in beautiful lingerie, specialised sports bras, nursing bras and many more.  The world we live in today means that ladies want to be able to buy their favourite bra at whatever time of day and night they choose to.  

So, the decision was made to take another giant leap of faith.  Only this time, this new world of eCommerce involves learning a new language!  Yes that's right, the computer people don't speak the same language as anyone else on this planet!!!

I made the decision to keep the bricks and mortar shop as its original name "Lincoln Bra Lady", to maintain local appeal as a trusted member of the community.  We have a great reputation locally, we are collectively recognised in and out of store and often hear "ooh here's the bra ladies" my little team and I are proud of our titles and want to keep them.  Much to our kids disapproval that where ever we go people talk to us about boobs and bras.

Eventually, the site was built.  It has ever so slightly made me go bald in patches and perhaps a little more grey but nothing a good hairdresser can't sort (thanks Emma).  

The decision was made to launch the online boutique under the name of the founder;  "Claire Woodall"........eek that's me!  The site will represent the expertise I have gained, with exceptional lingerie from the best brands.  We have worked with the brands and bras, fitting them in all sizes and shapes.  The site will only stock tried and tested lingerie, if we don't think it makes the grade it won't make the site.  

My aim is to try to make the site a place where you find the best lingerie and swimwear, at the best prices, all gift wrapped and lovely.  We will be on hand to guide you through the maze of lingerie,  with online support via the website and regular updates from our social media sites.  

The site will be a huge learning adventure, full of twists and turns along the way.  The lingerie world has well and truly swallowed me, I am immersed in a world of Lycra, satin, silk and lace.....not to mention the all important power mesh of power panties!

Claire.xx