Northshore magazine showcases the best that the North Shore of Boston, MA has to offer.
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"It's a genius idea," she says. "Everyone in the building complements each other perfectly, and clients get personal service they won't find anywhere else." With a 27-year history in Andover, the most experienced and biggest tenant is Cristina's, which moved in last May after a major design process resulting in an elegant second- floor bridal salon. The main formal gowns are displayed in a boutique on the first floor with streetfront exposure. A lower level houses bridesmaids dresses, pressing, and alterations. "Having us all under the same roof is a big asset not only for all of us, but also for our clients to have experienced, repu- table, and trustworthy people for the most important day of their lives," says Christine Kalman, Cristina's owner. Clara Tompkins owns The New England Bridal Affair, spe- cializing in wedding expos and event planning, and is thrilled to have a space on the third floor. "We all needed to come together, and the timing was wonderful," she says. "I wish I could have done it years ago." The final three tenants—Laura Hardiman, owner of The Ivory Corset; Sylvia Sasso, owner of Shaperella; and Yasiris Matias, owner of Festejos Decorations—moved in to their third-floor spaces in November, adding intimate apparel, per- sonal training, decorations, and event planning to the mix. Apart from the new Bridal Center website, which brands and connects all nine businesses, each owner operates autono- mously but benefits greatly from being under the same roof. For brides with time restraints, the center is a convenient one-stop shop to which they can bring mothers, fiancés, and bridal parties for a relaxed day of planning and shopping. Clients can also make significant savings via incentives and special offers if they book with more than one specialist. Aside from the obvious commercial benefits of client referrals, cross-promotions, and group marketing, each busi- ness owner can also enjoy the support and encouragement of people who are now friends as much as colleagues. "The DENTAL CARE FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY specializing in: cosmetic dentistry general dentistry veneers crowns bridges implants Photo Opp: Linda Jennings, owner of Photography by Linda, and her office. NICHOLAS T. PAPAPETROS, DMD 19 Barnard Street Andover MA 978-475-5333 www.smileandover.com January/February 2012 nshoremag.com January/February 2012 nshoremag.com 83