VOWS Magazine

07/31/2025

New Issue Out Now! Can't wait for you to read it!

07/11/2025

Send a personalized letter to your senators, members of Congress, the Department of Commerce, and Customs and Border Protection in support of the NAFAA effort for tariff relief through reclassification. A complementary effort to the NBRA's letter writing and PR campaign:

Weddings. Proms. Quinceañeras. These once-in-a-lifetime moments are at the heart of American family life and yet the dresses worn to celebrate them are being unfairly taxed at rates exceeding 50% due to a misclassification in the U.S. tariff code.

05/24/2025

It's about that time! New issue featuring Bridal and Formal in Cincinnati, Ohio coming SOON!!!

04/28/2025

For those who haven't yet received our email describing the general legal guidelines offered by the FTC and other sources when applying tariff surcharges, view the article here:

https://www.vowsmagazine.com/legal-considerations-for-applying-tariffs
Please note this is not intended as legal advice... please check the requirements in your individual state.

Info from FTC, other sources

04/04/2025

President Trump added 34% tariff on goods imported from China, bringing the tariffs to 61% of the value of the goods.
45% was added to tariffs on Myanmar imported goods, 46% on those goods from Vietnam.
In response industry manufacturers/importers are developing approaches as to how to price their goods.
Separately, Justin Warshaw, Justin Alexander, has created a petition entitled "Urgent Appeal: Exclude Formalwear from Tariff increases to protect US Jobs"

I encourage all those in all segments of the industry to review and add their support:

Urgent Appeal: Exclude Formalwear from Tariff Increases to Protect U​.​S. Jobs

03/19/2025

Here's a sneak peek at some of the results of our tariff survey, as they're rolling in. Check out our May/June 2025 issue for complete results & analysis. There's still time to take the survey if you haven't yet. DM us or email [email protected] for a link

Note: the first question was answered by boutiques, the second by brands

02/27/2025

It's our favorite time of the production cycle - when we get to share a sneak peek of our upcoming issue! Look for it soon!

01/27/2025

Scam alert
If you're planning on filing for a share of the Visa/Mastercard merchant services settlement (deadline Feb 4), do so now as several stores have had their accounts scammed. And if you don't plan on filing a claim, it's a simple step to do so which will alert you to others that may have filed a claim for you.
Visit the official website and enter your TIN tax ID number, and if the word Conflict comes up someone has probably stolen your information.

The lawsuit is about claims that merchants paid excessive fees to accept Visa and Mastercard cards because Visa and Mastercard, individually, and together with their respective member banks, violated the antitrust laws.

01/15/2025

There is a labor crisis brewing for the luxury retail market, according to Unity Marketing, a consulting group specializing in luxury retail:
"... global survey among 12,000 retail employees working for 12 luxury brands found widespread luxury retail employee dissatisfaction. A staggering 51% plan to leave their current employer in search of opportunities where they have greater agency, feel more highly valued and have improved work-life balance."

Sound familiar?

A global survey among 12,000 luxury retail employees finds widespread job dissatisfaction. So much so that over half are planning to leave their current employer.

01/14/2025

With a potential TikTok ban in the U.S. looming, it’s important to ensure your boutique stays resilient no matter what happens.

While TikTok may not vanish overnight, a ban would mean it could no longer be downloaded or updated. Over time, this would make TikTok less functional, with fewer opportunities to reach brides. Prepare now by...

Updating your bio: Direct your followers to your website and other social platforms where they can continue to find you. Make it easy to stay connected!

Downloading your content: Save any TikTok videos you’ve created that you may want to reuse or repurpose.

Shifting your strategy: Post more on other social platforms starting now. If there is a platform you aren't on but may want to join, check to see if your handle is available and claim it.

Stay informed: Nothing is set in stone - keep an eye on developments regarding the potential ban.

Regardless of what happens, let this be a lesson that overly relying on any social platform isn't wise. You don't own the site, therefore even if you build up millions of followers, they could be gone tomorrow if the site shuts down. It's important to diversify and also build your own email list so you can reach customers no matter what!