Who are the new owners of Larenas formal wear in Somerset?
Greg and Barbara Walker are saying “We do” to Larenas formal wear shop in Somerset.
The Shanksville couple purchased the business on Sept. 2 from its former owner, Marcy McVicker, whose mother, Janie Ohler, first opened Larenas in 1983.
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On Friday, the Walkers held a ribbon-cutting and open house at the shop, 1854 N. Center Avenue, to invite customers in and offer special pricing on some of their inventory.
“We just want to say thank you to everyone,” Barbara Walker said during the event. “We are thankful we have the support of our family, the community and our friends. We really appreciate it.”
Greg Walker added: “As each day goes on, we feel more confident about it (buying the business). It’s not ‘What did we do?’ but ‘This is what we do.’ We’re here to support the community, and we hope they support us.”
What is Larenas?
Larenas sells long and short dresses for formal events such as homecoming, Christmas dances, winter and spring formals and prom.
Tuxedo rentals are also a well-established part of the business, Barbara Walker said.
While inventory of bridal gowns is limited, there is a line of special-order bridesmaids’ dresses that bridal parties can choose from. Accessories for both dresses and tuxedos are available for purchase as well.
Barbara said helping her youngest daughter Madison make plans for her wedding next year inspired her to start a business where she can help families celebrate some of life’s happiest moments. Then a social media post brought her and Larenas together.
“I’ve wanted to own a business for a long time,” she said. “The former owner (McVicker) put a post on Facebook saying that she planned to sell the shop, and by luck I saw it.”
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In a social media post on Larenas' Facebook page, McVicker said she decided to sell to devote her time to Somerset Door & Column, another local business that she and her husband, Bob, own and operate.
She and Barbara then worked together for several weeks so Barbara could learn from Marcy, who grew up in the business and worked with her mother.
Their nearly 40 years of serving the community was also a big reason for the Walkers to buy the Larenas name as well as the inventory.
“We purchased the name because its tuxedo rental business is successful out of the area as well. We felt it was to our advantage to keep the name,” Barbara said.
“Marcy has been very helpful. She stayed on for four weeks and trained me. She’s been very gracious.”
The Walkers also received business guidance from JARI, the St. Francis University Small Business Development Center and Startup Alleghenies.
'We made the right decision'
Barbara Walker praised her husband and their two daughters, Kaitlyn Emigh and Madison Walker, for their whole-hearted support of her business idea. She said her daughters plan to help her choose dresses for their inventory and promote the business through social media.
“That makes it easier,” Barbara said. “My family is totally behind me and we’re excited to see how things are going to go.
“People in the community — friends, neighbors — are all so supportive. So many people are being supportive … it wasn’t expected, and it warms my heart.”
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Larenas is open from noon to 6 p.m. on Monday, noon to 5 p.m. on Wednesday and Friday and from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday. Customers can call 814-445-7773 or go to larenas.com for more information or to make an appointment if desired.
“So far it’s been a good experience, and things are going well,” Barbara said. “We’re hoping with Christmas dances (and other events) coming up that business will be good.
“This is something that I never thought, a year ago, would happen — but I think we made the right decision.”
This article originally appeared on The Daily American: Larenas formal wear shop in Somerset has new owners Greg and Barbara Walker
