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Brides-To-Be Say “YES” to the Dress at Grand Bridal

Denice Schoelerman has dreamed about owning her own bridal store for a long time. She’s living out that dream here in Spencer, where she’s the owner of Grand Bridal.

Located in the heart of Spencer’s downtown at 400 North Grand Avenue, Grand Bridal opened in March of 2021. She finally has the space where a bride can both pick out the perfect dress and have it altered to fit her just right.

“We want them to come in and feel welcome and comfortable,” Schoelerman said. “And have an environment where they can relax and enjoy the process of picking out the dress and not feeling stressed.”

Many of the brides-to-be, as well as the friends and family that are there to support them, say Grand Bridal allows them to “feel at home,” Shoelerman said.

“We want it to be fun,” she added. “We want them to have fun with their friends and family and enjoy the experience.”

A Dream Come True

That experience is something Schoelerman has wanted to provide ever since she was little.

Schoelerman began sewing at eight years old while in 4H. She pursued her passion with sewing lessons throughout childhood and into high school, when she sewed and modeled her own prom dress. At college in Ames, she worked at a bridal store. Then, she was a stay-at-home mom for nearly 20 years and did alterations on the side.

Once the kids grew up and were able to care for themselves, she decided it was time to pursue her passion. She wanted to ensure that every single bride is able to find the perfect dress, get the necessary alterations so the dress fits her perfectly and allows her to walk down the aisle with the utmost confidence.

That process all begins during the first appointment.

Shoelerman said, “After they check in for their appointment, we’ll take everyone to their waiting area to start looking over dresses we have.”

The bride-to-be can then look at all the styles that are available at Grand Bridal. The friends and family that have joined her are able to make suggestions and offer their advice.

After that, Grand Bridal’s staff will take the bride-to-be’s picks into the dressing room. The party will stay on the couches and chairs inside the store, anxiously awaiting their first glimpses at dresses she decides to try on.

“Usually after anywhere from five to eight dresses, she’ll go back and try on a favorite or two,” Schoelerman said. “Then, at that point, once she’s picked the dress, we’ll add the veil and they’re all there to see her say ‘yes.’

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A Rewarding Experience

Certainly the hope is that the bride will indeed find the dress to which she wants to say yes. When that happens, it’s a rewarding experience for all involved: the bride-to-be, her family, her friends and also Schoelerman and the staff at Grand Bridal.

“It’s very rewarding,” Schoelerman said, though she noted her favorite part is after every piece of the dress has been altered just so and she can see the final fit.

“The reward for me,” she said, “is to see her walking in a dress that’s nicely fitted and made for her; to see her expression, knowing this is exactly what she envisioned – it’s just a thrill to be part of the process.”

Grand Bridal a Vital Part of Spencer’s Downtown

While Grand Bridal plays a significant role in making big days as special as possible for many women, it also enjoys a role as a significant part of Grand Avenue and the downtown Spencer business community. The store’s location on the corner of 4th and Grand is prominent – and its many windows offer passersby an inviting glimpse at what’s inside.

“I’m fortunate that we have the location that we do,” Schoelerman said. “As people come into town, they’re excited to see the windows. People in town drive around and look at our windows. We change the dresses in the windows on a weekly basis, usually every Saturday afternoon.”

Grand Bridal is also an eager partner in the many downtown events put on by the Spencer Chamber of Commerce and Spencer Main Street. Schoelerman said being involved in both organizations offer business owners invaluable networking opportunities.

“These businesses all go through similar challenges that we may go through and usually we can relate to one another,” she said. “And there’s always collaboration. I’m always willing to collaborate.”

That just goes to show how Grand Bridal is establishing itself as a staple in the Spencer business community.

Popular Chamber Dollars program upgraded to Spencer Chamber Gift Card.

The Spencer Chamber has unveiled its new Gift Card in an effort to keep more dollars local. Sponsored by Spencer Municipal Utilities, the Spencer Chamber Gift Card is a high-tech Gift Card that can be spent with multiple participating businesses in the area, including retail, hospitality, leisure and services.

The new Gift Card replaces the Chamber Dollars system that has been in place for over 20 years, and is available to buy online and from the Spencer Chamber of Commerce office on Highway Blvd, in denominations of $20 - $500.

Sheriffa M. Jones, Executive Director at the Spencer Chamber of Commerce said the new Gift Card will be easier for businesses and customers, and will have a greater economic impact for the area:

“Our new Spencer Chamber Gift Card can be spent just like a debit card across the city with the balance automatically updated. It can be spent in all sectors; groceries, gas and household essentials. Spencer is the largest community in a 60 mile radius. We have a population of 11,000+; however, a retail pull of 70,000. Not only will the Gift Card keep more dollars invested in the Spencer area with Chamber businesses, it will bring new dollars in, from those that want to experience all we have to offer.”

“There has always been a strong shop local community in Spencer,” continues Sheriffa. “Around $20,000 of Chamber Dollars were sold each year. We hope that employers, customers and tourists will use the new Spencer Chamber Gift Card to show their support for Spencer.”

Amanda Gloyd, Marketing and Community Relations Manager at Spencer Municipal Utilities said: “Spencer Municipal Utilities is glad to be part of the new Spencer Chamber Gift Card as it will be a great way to help keep money in Spencer. We are accepting them in our office so they can be used to pay for utilities. They can also be used at other places throughout Spencer, which will make them a great gift.

Spencer Chamber Gift Card is issued by Pathward™ N.A., member FDIC. Funds do not expire. Non-reloadable and no cash access. For Cardholder Agreement or Customer Service: www.getmybalance.com or 1.833.558.1088

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Over 40 Business Participating

Chamber Board Member Logan Wood

I have called Spencer home for the past 13 years. In the beginning, I was fortunate to work with many local companies/groups to help grow their online presence. Today, I am a partner in Hansen’s Clothing and Advanced Network Professionals. Outside of work, you can find me with my family, my wife, Darcy, and two children, Wyatt and Emery. Our nights and weekends are generally filled with sporting events, but in my free time, I enjoy a round of golf.

I recently started my 6th and final year of my position on the Chamber board. I originally joined the board to grow my awareness of the community. Since being on the board, I have learned we have a great group of community partners who collaboratively work together to make Spencer a excellent place to own a business and raise a family.

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