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Christine Benskin
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Arlene Clough
Marketing
Arlene began in the Schaffer’s Visuals department in October of 2007, and joined our Marketing team in winter of 2008. She has a degree in Visual Communications from the University of Kansas.
October 2007
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Kym Galligan
Bridal Consultant
Kym graduated from the University of Iowa in 2001 with a degree in Communication Studies. She put off her career to marry and raise 3 children, but always had a deep love for fashion. Kym has been with Schaffers since Winter 2011.
Winter 2011
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Tasha Mart
Bridal Consultant
Tasha majored in Apparel Merchandising, Design, and Productions with an emphasis in Visual Merchandising at Iowa State University. She looks forward to helping brides create a lasting, memorable event.
Spring 2008
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Sally Osler
Bridal Consultant
Sally graduated with a degree in Textiles, Clothing and Design from the University of Nebraska. She began her interest in Bridal by completing an internship in Houston, Texas at Mia Bridal Couture and Brickhouse Bridal.
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Chi Pham
Seamstress
Chi loves customizing gowns and seeing the bride leave happy. She is originally from MyTho, Vietnam.
With Schaffer's since 1993
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Tong Pham
Trained Tailor
Tong loves a variety of work, making dresses, and flat patterns. He is originally from MyTho, Vietnam.
With Schaffer's since 1999
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"Mo" Sackrapraseuth
Head Seamstress
Mo is originally from Lao.
With Schaffer's for 20 years
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Sam Schooley
Bridal Consultant
Sam graduated from Iowa State University with a degree in Apparel Merchandising, Design and Production with minors in Marketing/Consumer Behavior, Public Relations/Event Planning and International Trade. Prior to working at Schaffer’s she worked in Retail Sales and Event Planning.
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Ali Temple
Bridal Consultant
Ali graduated from the University of Colorado with a degree in Communications and her emphasis in Public Relations in 2007. She has worked in the bridal industry since college and has been with Schaffers since 2008.
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Tasha Thelen
Impromptu Store Manager
Tasha graduated from Iowa State with a degree in Apparel, Merchandising, Design, and Production, with an emphasis in merchandising. Prior to Impromptu, she worked in retail sales and also as a visual merchandiser.
December 2009
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Andrea Weiner
Operations Manager
Andrea graduated from Iowa State University with a degree in apparel merchandising, design and production. She started with Schaffer’s as a bridal consultant and is currently in the Ordering department.
With Schaffer's since November 2004
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Autumn Wulf
Director of Employee Development
Autumn graduated from Northwest Missouri State University with a Comprehensive Psychology/Sociology Degree.
With Schaffer's since February 2007
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Lyssa Zaun
Bridal Consultant
Lyssa graduated from Iowa State University with a degree in Apparel Merchandising, Design, and Production. Before she started at Schaffer’s she lived in New York City and worked for Marc Jacobs.
November 2008
Meet our Staff
Here at Schaffer's, we pride ourselves on creating a memorable experience for every customer we meet. Meet the people who make this possible. Our staff knows their stuff, and we'll work hard to make you happy every time you visit.
The Schaffer's Story
In the 1940s, Frank and Louis Schaffer saw an opportunity in bridal apparel and began opening bridal specialty stores in St. Paul, Minneapolis, Dallas, Denver, Omaha and Des Moines.
The Des Moines store opened in 1950 and was located downtown at 304 – 8th Street. This store was purchased by the owners of Arnolds and Stearns. Their son, Barney Tabach, assumed leadership in 1974.
In 1983, they moved the bridal shop next door to the corner of 8th & Walnut where they built a reputation for prom, evening fashion, and tuxedos. They also opened two new stores in Cedar Rapids/Marion and on Country Club Plaza in Kansas City, MO.
In 1994, Kari Hillebo Smith purchased the Des Moines store. Kari moved the business across the river to the East Village at 601 East Locust on April 1, 2004. She opened a second space, Schaffer’s 504 at 504 East Locust where you could find a variety of items from special occasion gowns to home decor items.
On November 10, 2006, Schaffer’s moved into the Harmony Building in West Glen Town Center. This signaled the blending of two longstanding Des Moines businesses: Schaffer’s and Boesen the Florist. The Harmony Building provided a memorable shopping experience – wedding and special occasion attire, floral and gift items, and the Harmony Cafe.
In late 2009, the store moved to an exquisite new space specifically designed for Schaffer’s at 5465 Mills Civic Parkway, still in West Glen. A second store, Schaffer’s Impromptu, opened just down the street at 5525 Mills Civic Parkway. This hip boutique is home to our extensive prom collection as well as women and men’s ready-to-wear clothing. Owned by Sue Hagedorn and Mary Jo Harty, both women bring an enthusiasm and energy from years of retail experience, continuing the Schaffer’s tradition of a ‘unique approach to memorable events’.
Schaffer’s Today
Schaffer’s Bridal Salon soon outgrew its space, so relocated once again to 5525 Mills Civic Parkway, Suite 100 (just two doors down from Schaffer’s Impromptu.) The new location has the same distinctive decor you’ve come to expect from Schaffer’s, but in a considerably larger space. In addition, Schaffer’s is proud to announce the opening of a second bridal and formalwear store in Scottsdale, Arizona with several new designers to add to Schaffer’s bridal collection!