New Bridal Connection In Barrington

Brides and grooms-to-be are invited to attend the first annual Barrington Bridal Connection Expo on Jan. 22.  This bridal open house will feature everything from wedding cakes, bridal gowns, ambiance, wedding planners, and wedding registries, all at the Barrington Home Shoppe. 

The bridal registry is Barrington Home Shoppe's newest endeavor. They are hoping to become a one stop site for brides and grooms to be as they prepare to walk down the aisle. 

"We really try to make it bride and groom friendly," said the store's manager, Mary Jo Gumowski. "One person will meet with them and really help them through the process."

The Barrington Home Shoppe started the bridal registry this summer after receiving requests for one from loyal customers. Gumowski says they can offer a more specialized and custom service than your big box department stores.

"We try to personalize and we're a unique store," said Gumowski who points out the complimentary gift wrapping, shipping and an array of specialized product lines. "We're trying to do a little bit more. I think that's what sets us a part." 

Brides and grooms can also take advantage of the Shoppe's bridal rewards program where they can earn five percent of the total purchases from the registry to be used in the store. The couple also receives a one-time 10 percent off the entire purchase, good one year from the wedding date.

60010 Barrington Bridal Connection

But the store is not only thinking about the couple's gifts, it has set up a unique referral service for all the bride and groom's wedding day needs. The owner of the Barrington Home Shoppe has started the 60010 Barrington Bridal Connection. 

"We're bringing all the vendors to work together so we can offer the bride your stationary needs, your floral needs, wedding cakes, wedding gown store, event planner, different caterers," described Gumowski. "We want to make this a real big local emphasis for them and so they can enjoy the experience."

Like many communities, the lackluster economy has hurt the retail industry in Barrington. Gumowski says the 60010 Barrington Bridal Connection will hopefully help boost bridal business in the area.

"Many are small businesses. A lot of people don't know the smaller shops that exist and maybe they're not aware," she said. "Barrington doesn't have a big downtown area right now. A lot of the vendors are talking about how can we make this better. What can we do to stir excitement to come to Barrington."

The Jan. 22 expo event was planned after the store received a good response at a similar event in Hoffman Estates.  The hope is with more awareness and working together, Barrington will become the place to shop for complete wedding planning needs before the bride and groom say their I do's.

The Barrington Bridal Connection Expo will be held at the Barrington Home Shoppe from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Jan 22.  The store is located in the historic Ice House Mall at 200 Applebee Street. For more information, call 847-304-9627.