It’s been a confusing couple weeks for A Heart’s Desires Bridal and its newest location at 2125 S. Broadway (suite 103). Upon first moving into their Santa Maria office, manager Ashley Pacheco discovered that some customers were being directed by Google and other search engines like Yelp! to a store that no longer exists.
“There’s been some confusion,” she told the Sun. Other than that though, the first month and half has been a smooth transition for the Central Coast-based company.
Pacheco’s mother, Imelda Perales, owns the original location in San Luis Obispo. The mother and daughter team, who are from and live in Santa Maria, say they’ve been waiting for years for a chance to expand into their own backyard.
“We’re actually locals,” Pacheco said, “so this always made sense.”
Perales bought the SLO shop about eight years ago, and in that time A Heart’s Desires became and stood as a staple for wedding gowns, bridal wear, and tuxedos. And now with a foothold in Northern Santa Barbara County, Pacheco said she hoped they’d have a chance to corner what they see as a relatively open market.
“The goal is eventually we will be No. 1 in this area and be a local option for people to turn to,” she added.
So far, business has been slow, but according to Pacheco, about nine out of every 10 women who come into the store leave with a dress. In time, she said, traffic toward the store should pick up. The location is well placed at the highly-built out intersection of South Broadway and Betteravia. Plus, once the remaining search engine issues are resolved, people should be able to find it easier.
“In SLO, it was more word of mouth; everyone knew we were there, and the ones that didn’t saw us when they walked by downtown,” Pacheco said. “Here, I think we’ll have to get the word out more, but we really like this area.”
Another draw for new customers of course is sales, and in October, A Heart’s Desires will offer 20 to 75 percent off floor samples (largely wedding gowns). The company also plans to promote its new branch at a bridal show on Oct. 21 at the Madonna Expo Center.
Pacheco said not to let television deter potential curious customers from visiting.
“It’s not like the show [Say Yes to the Dress],” she added. “We do not have those brides that are just, you know, extreme. Everyone that comes in here is happy. It’s a happy moment.”
Highlights:
• The two-day Central Coast AirFest airshow runs Oct. 6 through 7. The first-year event will be held at the Santa Maria Airport and features the military aerobatic squadron, the Canadian Snowbirds. The air show will also features exhibits and displays of military planes like the F-18 Hornet, P-51 Mustang, and a C-130 Hercules. Visit centralcoastairfest.com to purchase tickets.
• Mariscos La Rancherita hosted a grand opening on Sept. 14 in Lompoc. The restaurant is located at 1410 Burton Mesa Blvd. It serves mexican and seafood.
• On Sept. 14, Family Service Agency of Santa Barbara announced it would hold a photo contest for 2018. The Good Life on the Central Coast contest invites county residents “with a creative spirit to share their favorite snaps of local life for a chance to win cash prizes and gift certificates.” Submissions will be accepted from Aug. 20 to Oct. 1 at 5 p.m. Winners will be announced on Oct. 22. For more information and how to participate, visit fsacares.org/photos.
Staff Writer Spencer Cole wrote this week’s Biz Spotlight. Information should be sent to the Sun via fax, mail, or email at spotlight@santamariasun.com.
This article appears in Sep 27 – Oct 4, 2018.