Bridal and Formal Boutique & House of Tux has been anchored on Pass Road in Gulfport since 1984, but come this fall, some exciting changes are happening when the full service bridal salon will be significantly expanding in a new location only two blocks away.
For more than 30 years, House of Tux has brought countless smiles to customers looking for that perfect attire for the perfect occasion. From a wide selection for the entire wedding party to attire for special events such as Mardi Gras balls, proms and holiday soirées, this business has it all. Need accessories, shoes or invitations? It’s all right there, too.
Adrian Holland is at the helm of the full-service bridal salon, and every day she considers it a great joy to do this for a living.
“I love my job,” she says. “I get to make dreams come true, and I know that sounds cheesy, but it’s my reality. It is so rewarding to cry with that mom when she sees her daughter put on the perfect gown, and yes, I still cry each and every time after years of being in this career.”
Holland’s history with the business is very unique — an apprentice to owner to entrepreneur. She began working at House of Tux when she was 16 years old and learned what it takes to be a Gulf Coast leader in style, selection, value and personal service. When the previous owner decided to retire in 2006, Holland and her husband, Chavus, received an invitation they couldn’t refuse. They bought the business and continued to build on the success that Holland helped develop over the years.
“We are 10 years strong,” she says. “Every year, we have made improvements and have grown our business.”
With the longstanding success of House of Tux, about four years ago, Holland and her husband were trying to decide whether they should have another baby or open a new store.
“God made our decision and we got both,” Holland says. “Back on the Rack was opened in June 2013 and our youngest daughter was born in December 2013.”
Back on the Rack is an upscale consignment store located at the old train depot in downtown Gulfport. What a gem of a place!
“We sell secondhand designer formals, handbags such as Louis Vuitton, Chanel and Prada, and ready-to-wear clothing at a fraction of retail cost,” Holland says. “You can snag a designer bag or an amazing Sherri Hill prom gown at half off the original retail price. This business is almost three years old and growing at a rapid pace.”
With both stores “busting at the seams,” it’s getting more difficult for Holland to be at House of Tux and Back on the Rack, so what’s the next step? The two businesses are getting married! And Holland couldn’t be more excited about this new expansion, which will be housed in a larger building two blocks west from where House of Tux is currently located.
“The move will double our existing square footage for each business, and the new space will offer twice as many fitting rooms and inventory,” Holland says. “We also will be adding three new members to our fabulous team.”
With one business on the left and one on the right, something really stellar needed to be at the center: a coffee shop with a café! This new addition will feature a drive-thru and breakfast and lunch will be served throughout the day. Holland says take out orders will be available as well, but she’s not ready to disclose the name of the new coffee shop yet.
“We are excited to give new entrepreneurs a chance to fulfill their dream by leasing a space in our new building,” she says.
Holland has a strong passion about customer service excellence and the importance of shopping local, and she highly encourages future brides to invest locally before going out of town to shop.
“Our customers are special to us and we try to get to know them,” Holland says. “I often get brides who purchase bridesmaid dresses and tuxes from me, but have already purchased a gown out of town (mostly New Orleans), even though we have always offered the same designers as those stores. The look of our current building can be a bit deceiving, but I am hoping that when we have a brand new beautiful boutique, our local brides will check out our selection. If there is a designer that we do not carry, I will always buy in to the line to keep our dollars local. I think it is important for us to teach our children to invest in our community. It feeds our local economy and only makes it better.”
This very principle is the primary reason Holland is not venturing too far away from where the foundation of her success all began.
“Our practice what you preach philosophy led us to hire Vision Constructors of Gulfport to build our new adventure,” she says. “Our businesses are anchored in Gulfport. We hope that by staying and investing in Gulfport, Pass Road will one day be as vibrant as it used to be.”