On June 22, 2015, Rotarian Ian Smyth introduced Alaina Lockhart, who gave her classification talk to the club today.
The focus of Alaina’s classification talk was her business, Lockhart’s Wedding and Special Occasions. It is located on Main Street at a home known as Broad Gables. The Victorian house was fashioned with charm and ambiance, which complements the business setup and values. Alaina prides herself in carrying the finest collection of gowns in New Brunswick.
The wedding industry in Canada is a 4.5 billion dollar industry annually. In Canada, the average wedding costs $30,000 with a gown averaging approximately $1,700.00 per dress.
Alaina purchased the business in 2004 following a career in corporate Human Resources. Alaina’s small business entrepreneurial interest began in high school, and her shift in career was a result of that interest forged in the high school class...
Lockhart’s Wedding and Special Occasions serves over 400 brides annually and over 200 prom attendees. The business has seen approximately 270% growth since 2004. The current marketing plan now focused on social media and referrals. Sussex accounts for 20% of the business volume, with the remainder of the split between customers from the Moncton, Fredericton and Saint John areas.
Changes seen in the industry recently involve technology, social media, cross-border shopping, shipping costs and reality television.
Alaina applied the Four-Way Test to her business venture and identified the similarities when doing repeat business and how much similar the test is to her core values.
Alaina advised the Club members of the future venture of her offering to run as the Liberal Candidate for the riding of Fundy Royal.
Rotarian Don Dow thanked Alaina for showcasing Lockhart’s Wedding and Special Occasions and her informative classification talk and presented her with a token of the Club’s appreciation.