Business notebook: Custom bridal shop opens in Cape

Renee Clements is bringing an individualized bridal shopping experience to Southeast Missouri.

Brides in the region frequently travel to St. Louis or Memphis, Tennessee, to shop for wedding dresses, Clements said. "They deserve to come to Cape."

Magnolias Bridal Boutique opened Jan. 9 at 407 Browdway, and store owner Clements couldn't be more pleased with the response she's received. With appointments booked well into March, she credits word of mouth and the recent bridal expo for her early success.

The dresses she carries are purchased from the New York Bridal Market, exclusive to the Southeast Missouri region and limited in the Midwest.

"We wanted an exclusivity to the area, but then we also wanted the highest-quality fabrics and lace and detail," Clements said.

A dress hangs on display in the showroom Friday at Magnolias Bridal Boutique in downtown Cape Girardeau.Glenn Landberg

Magnolias carries the work of five designers: Ti Adora, Kenneth Winston, Tara Keely, Alvina Valenta and Blush by Hayley Paige. Clements is working to bring two new designers to her store, including one from Southeast Missouri.

Clements carries only sample sizes in her store, and the dresses are custom-ordered after selection, which allows for custom sizing, color and detail.

"We can work with the designer to make sure that gown is absolutely perfect," she said.

Shopping is done by appointment only. During a 90-minute session, a bride and her guest have the boutique to themselves, with Clements there to assist.

"I want it to be a really intimate experience," Clements said. "It becomes overwhelming when you have multiple people in [the store]."

A look at the showroom Friday at Magnolias Bridal Boutique in downtown Cape Girardeau.Glenn Landberg

Dresses range from $1,200 to $5,000, and custom jewelry is available.

Clements also offers help for other bridal purchases, making suggestions for other local vendors who can provide bridal services.

"We're going to make sure we put you in touch with anything you need help with," Clements said. "It doesn't just stop at what I'm selling them. I want to make sure their wedding's perfect, and however I can contribute to that, I'm happy to."

First Community Bank, Sterling Bank merge

Sterling Bancshares Inc. has announced the completion of the merger of First Community Bank into Sterling Bank, effective today. The transaction brings Sterling Bank's total assets to more than $1.2 billion.

Through the merger, Sterling Bank locations now total 11, with eight in Southeast Missouri. The appearance of former First Community Bank locations soon will be updated to be consistent with the Sterling Bank brand and architectural style.

Hancock Fabrics files for bankruptcy

Hancock Fabrics Inc. announced it has filed voluntary petitions for reorganization under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code. In a news release, Steve Morgan, president and CEO of Hancock Fabrics, said, "We believe that restructuring is a positive step for the future of the Company, and we are committed to providing our customers quality fabrics and crafting essentials, both online and in stores."

The company will close 70 stores nationwide, including one in St. Peters, Missouri. The Cape Girardeau location will remain open.

Kiefer named Realtor of the Year

Kenneth A. Kiefer recently was recognized by the Cape Girardeau County Board of Realtors as 2015 Realtor of the Year. Candidates are nominated and selected by fellow Realtors and must meet strict application requirements.

Kiefer is a Realtor with Realty Executives of Cape County in Cape Girardeau. He has been a member of the Cape Girardeau Board of Realtors since 1997.

In 2012 through 2015, Kiefer served the Cape Girardeau County Board of Realtors as local director, treasurer, vice president and president. In past years, he served as chairman of several committees and represented the local association at the national and state level. Kiefer is active in the Cape Girardeau Area Chamber of Commerce and the Jackson Area Chamber of Commerce.

Mondi marks worker anniversaries

Mondi Jackson LLC recently recognized the following employee anniversaries:

25 years: John Allen, Donnie McClinton and Timothy Conklin.

20 years: Terry Allen, Kim Kranawetter and Robert England.

5 years: Timothy Crecelius, Amy Dumey, Rolly Foster and Srikant Ramachandran.

Ribbon cutting

Reliable Community Title Company LLC held a ribbon cutting and open house Jan. 29, officially announcing its second location at 502C W. Main St. in Jackson.

Business licenses

• Kelly Global Services LLC and Kelly Services USA LLC, 623 Silver Springs Road, are businesses providing temporary help services. The businesses, owned by Kelly Services Inc., opened Jan. 1.
• Blue Diamond Sports Bar LLC, 26 N. Main St., is a restaurant owned by Tim Fishbeck. It is projected to open Feb. 17.
• Miro Hookah Lounge, 437 Broadway, sells vape and hookah products. It is owned by Muntazar Alsaegh and Hussein Alshalal. It is projected to open March 1.
• Hale Home Inspections, owned by Jessie Hale, provides home-inspection services for buyers and sellers.

bbrown@semissourian.com

(573) 388-3630