Bridal bliss on Detroit’s west side: Pink Poodle Bridal expands with support from Motor City Match

Detroit’s Pink Poodle Bridal opens second location on Historic Avenue of Fashion after receiving a $50,000 grant from Motor City Match
New boutique is the 173rd Motor City Match-supported business to open in Detroit
Pink Bridal is known for affordable, stylish dresses for weddings, proms and casual wear
Motor City Match has awarded $19.1M in cash grants; 85% of overall winners are minority-owned businesses, 70% are women-owned and 67% are owned by Detroit residents

Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan and the Detroit Economic Growth Corporation (DEGC) celebrated the second location of Pink Poodle Bridal (formerly known as Pink Poodle Dress Lounge), a beloved Detroit fashion destination for women’s formal and casual dresses. The event marks the 173rd Motor City Match business to open in the city of Detroit.

In 2018, owner Raeshawn Bumphers received a $25,000 grant from Motor City Match to open Pink Poodle Bridal’s first location. Since its establishment on Jefferson in Detroit’s Riverbend neighborhood, Pink Poodle Bridal has garnered a loyal following for its exquisite collection of fashionable and affordable dresses. The boutique has become a go-to spot for wedding, prom and casual dresses, offering various styles for every occasion.

“Our dresses are not only stylish, filled with quality and affordable, but we have a range for all sizes, with different styles for different themes,” said Bumphers.

Pink Poodle Bridal expands pic1 — Mayor Duggan congratulates Raeshawn Bumphers on opening her second Pink Poodle Bridal location on Detroit's west side.

The new location on the Historic Avenue of Fashion brings Pink Poodle Bridal’s unique style and white-glove customer service to the city’s west side. The shop features bridal suites, exclusive for brides who purchase a wedding gown from the boutique. Within the bridal suite, wedding parties can prepare comfortably, enjoying hair and makeup services accompanied by champagne and mimosas.

“A lot of our guests are looking forward to meeting our team and having us service them because of the hospitality that we provide. That’s what we’re known for. We’re known for being personable, reliable and people trust us,” said Bumphers.

Additionally, the establishment offers in-house wedding alterations and restoration services for all wedding gowns. Expanding beyond traditional retail, the Livernois Avenue shop is exploring opportunities to host pop-up events for bridal vendors and women-focused gatherings.

Pink Poodle Bridal expands pic2 — Mayor Duggan joins Councilwoman Whitfield Calloway, DEGC officials, business owner Raeshawn Bumphers, family and friends for ribbon cutting.

“Pink Poodle Bridal is exactly the kind of success story we love to see in Detroit,” said Mayor Duggan. “Raeshawn took a chance on her dream, and with some help from Motor City Match, she’s now opening her second location. This is what happens when we invest in our local entrepreneurs – they grow, create jobs and make Detroit an even better place to live and shop.”

The business, located at 19147 Livernois, received a $50,000 grant from Motor City Match to support renovations. The boutique is open Monday through Saturday by appointment only.

“Pink Poodle Bridal’s expansion to the Avenue of Fashion is a perfect example of how Motor City Match helps local businesses grow and thrive. We’re thrilled to support Raeshawn in creating a beautiful space that matches the quality of her products and service,” said Sean Gray, vice president of Small Business Services at the DEGC, responsible for managing the Motor City Match program. “It’s Investments like these that are revitalizing our commercial corridors and creating new opportunities for Detroiters.”

Pink Poodle Bridal expands pic3 — Raeshawn Bumphers thanks the City and DEGC for their support in realizing her dream of expanding to a second location.

Through 27 rounds of Motor City Match: 

Total cash grants: $19.1 million (Total leveraged investment: $102.7 million) 
85 percent are minority-owned businesses 
70 percent are women-owned businesses 
67 percent are businesses owned by Detroit residents

About Motor City Match

Motor City Match is a unique partnership between the City of Detroit, the Detroit Economic Growth Corporation (DEGC), the Economic Development Corporation of the City of Detroit (EDC) and the U.S. Department of the Treasury through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). Competitive financial assistance is supported by a broad partnership of Southeast Michigan community development financial institutions and corporations including, Bank of America, Fifth Third Bank, Ford Foundation, Hudson Webber Foundation, JPMorgan Chase & Co., Knight Foundation, The Kresge Foundation, New Economy Initiative and the W.K. Kellogg Foundation. Motor City Match applications are available quarterly. More information is available at MotorCityMatch.com