Jan 4, 2024

Formal Markets, Mon Cheri Academy introduce 2024 educational program

ANDMORE Formal Markets and Mon Cheri Academy partnered to produce a yearlong educational program with in-person courses at two Formal Markets — April 8 in Atlanta and Aug. 10 in Las Vegas — supplemented with monthly virtual sessions, beginning Jan. 15.

“Mon Cheri Academy is a definitive authority of education within the bridal, social occasion and formalwear categories,” said Caron Stover, senior vice president of apparel at ANDMORE. “Expanding our existing Formal Markets educational resources with this new yearlong program will not only give market attendees the most up-to-date knowledge in the industry, but also will allow them to prepare and better their business practices throughout the year.”

In-person learning will cover a range of topics, from financial planning to optimizing sales. The 10 virtual sessions kick off on Monday, Jan. 15, when Steve Lang, CEO of Mon Cheri Bridals, presents “Get Ready to Learn Ways to Dramatically Increase Sales and Profits,” with tips on making sure buyers have the most productive in-person experience while on the show floor.

“I have been teaching Mon Cheri Academy for many years, and have seen firsthand the impact that investing in your own success with critical education like this can make a measurable, meaningful impact to your business, which is why I am hosting one in-person session on the East Coast in the Spring and one on the West Coast in the Fall,” Lang said. “Our live events at market offer tools and skills buyers can immediately put to work when they get back to their store; truly, buyers can’t afford not to come and experience this program. We can virtually predict sales and profitability to attendees.”

Mon Cheri Academy, a long-standing education institution, has helped many buyers — both veteran and new — in navigating market journeys, according to ANDMORE.

Added retailer Wendy Salerno of Darianna Bridal & Tuxedo in Warrington, Pennsylvania: “We have been through Mon Cheri Academy twice since we opened our store 11 years ago, and both times we learned quite a lot. From financial consulting to operations and personnel advice, our sales team came back and put new strategies into place that night. Mon Cheri Academy really helped us up our game, and get inspired, too.”

The full schedule of in-person topics and virtual sessions will be announced throughout the year, with expected guests such as wedding fashion expert, Nayri Kalayjian and more.