SPOTLIGHT SHOPS: Getting to Know the Nominees of the BSA202D (pt. 3)

ROMANTIQUES LOS GATOS

Romantiques opened its doors the summer of 1994 in the sunny, hillside town of Los Gatos, California. In the beginning, Susan Testa focused exclusively on lingerie and bra fitting, but over the years she and her team have expanded into loungewear and ready-to-wear. Their customers are mostly locals who have been shopping with them since they opened. Susan is not only proud of her loyal costumers but also her employees, in fact, the store manager of Romantique, Jessica Murawsky, has been a part of the family for over 21 years! "I consider my store an extension of my home. Every customer is welcomed in to my store as if they are an old friend coming by to visit."

UNDERWORLD LINGERIE

Located in prestigious Place Ville Marie in the heart of downtown Montreal, Canada, Underworld Lingerie offers expert and personalized service. The boutique was opened in 1991 as a family business, and Diane Chicoine took over the store from her mother. Initially, the shop exclusively sold hosiery goods, but when Diane took over, she decided to diversify and started purchasing popular lingerie brands. As time went on, Underworld Lingerie began to acquire an excellent reputation for their bra fittings and their wide range of sizes. The lingerie store specializes in European brands and professional service. "I am very proud of my accomplishments and the personalized relationship that I’ve developed with my customers. It takes time and hard work to acquire credibility and respect."

BLISS BENEATH

Located in Barrie, Canada, Bliss Beneath was born from Tamara Disaverio’s love for helping girls and women and seeing them transform and come alive in the fitting room. Tamara and her team are known for their body-positive environment and messages. They have permanent, framed body-positive messages posted strategically around the store. "I wanted to introduce proper fit and support to central Ontario at a more moderate price point than what was currently available so families with an average income could afford for mothers AND daughters to invest in properly fitted bras and swimwear."

HER UNDERTHINGS

Jackie Keto opened Her Underthings in the fall of 2014 in memory of her sister and to continue her dream. Located in Albany, New York, Her Underthings is known for its exceptional fittings and customer service. "We are the only store in the area that also specializes in small band big cup options. We of course service all sizes. We are also LGBT friendly. You need underthings we’ve got you covered, (literally)."

FLIRT BOUTIQUE WARWICK

Michelle Ricciardi’s passion for the lingerie started when she was 14 years old when a lovely saleswoman fit her for her first bra. Located in Warwick, New York, Flirt Boutique was opened over 2 years ago. At the time of inauguration, for Michelle and her team, the boutique served as a place to fit women for bras and lingerie in a body-positive atmosphere. Although this objective continues to prevail, they have evolved toward promoting their philosophy beyond the boundaries of the store to serve women in need. “We are a socially conscious lingerie boutique committed to making a difference in the world, and in your life, one woman at a time.”

BRACHIC

Marianne Hassan moved to Canada from London in 1999 and after living in Ottawa for 4 years she realized that there was a desperate need of a bra specialty store. That’s how the Brachic boutique was born on February 11, 2005, since then the store has been known for providing specialized fittings for intimates and swimwear. Marianne and her team also run in-store competitions, promotions, and brand trunk shows, on top of which they donate bras to women's shelters. "We are a company that believes that women should celebrate their bodies therefore; our aim is to provide a wide selection of bras and swimwear in different styles, shapes and sizes to reflect the many wonderful female forms. We are happy to help you find styles that not only feel comfortable and supportive, but will also make you feel fantastic!"





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