The Bra Store, a Worcester business specializing in a wide range of bra sizes, is moving to a new, larger location at 303 Main St. Owner Stephanie Ramey confirmed the relocation from its original 1,100-square-foot shop on Richmond Avenue, citing the need for more space to accommodate the store's growing inventory and customer base. The business is temporarily closed during the transition and is scheduled to reopen on October 22.
Key Takeaways
- New Location: The Bra Store is moving to 303 Main St. in downtown Worcester.
- Reason for Move: The original 1,100-square-foot location at 10 Richmond Ave. became too small for the store's inventory.
- Founder's Mission: Stephanie Ramey founded the store in 2021 to provide accessible, professional bra fitting services for all women.
- Reopening Date: The store will reopen at its new downtown address on October 22.
A Move Driven by Necessity and Growth
The decision to relocate The Bra Store was a direct response to its success. According to owner Stephanie Ramey, the original location at 10 Richmond Avenue could no longer contain the extensive inventory required to serve its clientele. The 1,100-square-foot space proved insufficient for a business that prides itself on offering a comprehensive range of sizes.
The new storefront at 303 Main Street provides the necessary capacity for the business to expand its operations. This move to a more central, downtown location is intended to better serve existing customers and attract new ones. Ramey has confirmed the store is temporarily closed to facilitate the move, with a planned grand reopening on October 22.
From Pandemic Project to Community Staple
The Bra Store was founded in 2021 under the name The O Shop. Its creation stemmed from Ramey's observation during the COVID-19 pandemic about the limited local access to professional bra fitting services, a gap that was widened by the closure of other specialty stores in the area.
The Origins of a Specialized Service
Stephanie Ramey's journey into entrepreneurship began in early 2021. While working for the Worcester Railers, she found herself with more time on her hands than she was used to. It was during this period that she read an article discussing the challenges women face in accessing essential products, including properly fitted bras.
This inspired extensive research, which revealed a significant lack of dedicated bra fitting stores in the Worcester area. The closure of Lady Grace in Shrewsbury further highlighted this void in the market. Recognizing a critical need, Ramey decided to act.
"I’ve always wanted a business," Ramey stated. "When I recognized this as an opportunity and as something that would help women, it prompted a lot of research."
In 2021, she opened The O Shop at 10 Richmond Avenue, a specialty store dedicated to providing a wide array of sizes, including up to a size O, and a professional fitting experience. The business was later renamed The Bra Store.
Addressing a Market Gap
Many women wear incorrectly sized bras, which can lead to discomfort and health issues. Specialty stores like The Bra Store provide expert fittings to ensure proper support and comfort, a service not widely available in standard department stores.
More Than Just a Retail Store
Ramey emphasizes that The Bra Store has evolved into much more than a place to buy clothing. It has become a unique community space where women feel comfortable sharing personal stories and connecting over shared experiences. This environment fosters a sense of camaraderie and support among its customers.
"It ends up becoming a really fun space for women to kind of congregate and talk about life," Ramey explained. "I feel like people make friends at the shop."
This community-building aspect is a core part of the business's identity. Ramey believes that providing a necessary product in a welcoming and supportive atmosphere is essential. She credits her employees for their role in creating this positive customer experience.
The Importance of an Essential Service
For Ramey, the most rewarding part of owning the store is the positive impact it has on her customers. She views the service as fundamental to women's well-being and is confident in the store's continued success because it addresses a genuine need within the community.
"I look at this business and I feel like it has to be successful," she said. "Because how could it not be successful when it provides such an important service to women?"
The move to a larger, more prominent location on Main Street represents a new chapter for The Bra Store, allowing it to continue its mission of providing essential products and fostering a supportive community for women in Worcester and beyond.