The Gown Dealers

“We get a lot of ecoconscious brides: Pre-owned dresses don’t feel wasteful. And our dresses still look like new.”

- Crystal Martin

Why open a consignment bridal shop?

Ana Perez: First of all, we were shocked that there were no other bridal-gown consignment shops in New York. We’re the first. Before we launched the shop last year, I resold my own dress. I put pictures of it all over the internet and invited people to come check it out in person at my place. I put the dress on a mannequin, had a veil for people to try on. I realized that brides, even when they’re buying consignment, still want that magical experience of the dress shopping. Jacquelyn Ward: People might think that because they’re getting a great discount, they’ll have to deal with people grabbing at racks—a run of the brides. But we’re appointment only; brides have one-on-one appointments with a consultant, surrounded by soft-purple décor. And Champagne.