Local Entrepreneur Launches New Chapter for Women’s Bra Retail in Worcester
In early 2021, amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Stephanie Ramey found an innovative way to fill her time while working for the Worcester Railers. Recognizing a gap in the availability of women’s intimate apparel, particularly bras, she was inspired to take action after reading an article about the scarcity of bra fitting services in her area. The closest option was Lady Grace in Shrewsbury, which has since closed its doors.
The O Shop: A New Beginning
This realization led Ramey to establish The O Shop in 2021, located at 10 Richmond Ave. The store focused on making bras available in an extended range of sizes, up to an O size, and aimed to serve the local community’s needs effectively.
Expanding Horizons
Fast forward four years, The O Shop has evolved into The Bra Store and is poised to relocate to a new space at 303 Main St. in downtown Worcester. Ramey elaborated on the need for this move, stating that the current location is too small to accommodate the growing inventory of bras.
Creating a Community Space
“I’ve always wanted a business,” Ramey shared, discussing her motivations for opening the store. “Recognizing a significant opportunity that helps women inspired extensive research.”
During the transition, The Bra Store is temporarily closed but is set to reopen on October 22. Ramey emphasizes that the store has grown to become more than just a retail outlet; it is a supportive environment where women feel comfortable sharing personal stories and experiences.
A Supportive Atmosphere
“It ends up becoming a really fun space for women to congregate and talk about life,” Ramey remarked. “I feel like people make friends at the shop.”
The Importance of Accessibility
For Ramey, the most rewarding aspect of running The Bra Store is the happiness it brings to customers. “Providing bras to women is a necessary service,” she stated, commending her team for their outstanding support and service. “I look at this business and I feel like it has to be successful, because how could it not be successful when it provides such an important service to women?”
If you purchase a product or register for an account through a link on our site, we may receive compensation. By using this site, you consent to our User Agreement and agree that your clicks, interactions, and personal information may be collected, recorded, and/or stored by us and social media and other third-party partners in accordance with our Privacy Policy.
