Mara moves to Main Street in Charles City

By Travis Fischer, tkfischer@charlescitypress.com

Mara Bridal Boutique is moving downtown.

For more than six years, the bridal shop has operated out of a converted house at 500 Kelly St., but, as of Friday, the store will open its doors at a new location.

“We’ve been looking for a larger and smarter space since 2020,” said owner Tiffany Rottinghaus. “Nothing ever really felt right.”

Rottinghaus considered several potential locations but the search went on until last October when she closed on the property at 103 N. Main Street, a vacant office building formally occupied by Prichard Law Office.

Since October, Rottinghaus and her staff have been working toward the big move as the building interior was renovated from office space to bridal boutique.

“We had to get pretty creative,” said Rottinghaus. “It’s kind of unrecognizable.”

Opening up the office space to accommodate dress displays and creating private rooms where bridal parties can try on dresses, Rottinghaus is eager to utilize the new building in ways that will allow her boutique to expand its inventory and offer a unique shopping experience.

“We’re really dialing in on what we do well,” she said.

The new building also allows dedicated lounging space for photos for when brides-to-be celebrate picking out their dress of choice.

“We want to lean into that moment,” said Rottinghaus.

Not only does the Main Street location offer more space for the bridal shop, but the property is adjacent to Rottinghaus’ other businesses, Cardigan and Mara Prom.

While the businesses will remain relatively separate as far as customers are concerned, the close proximity will allow for an easier sharing of staff, resources, and storage between the shops, she said.

Rottinghaus isn’t yet sure what will happen with the Kelly Street property, but is excited for customers to experience the new location as the bridal season gets underway.