For Dress Shop, Grass Is Greener Across Haddon Ave.

For her store, , Marlene Gagliardi said the grass has proved greener on the other side.

After 23 years of business at 710 Haddon Ave., Gagliardi and her formal wear shop set out for , which they found directly across the street—at new storefront spaces 705 through 707 Haddon Ave.

Last she spoke to Patch, Gagliardi was preparing her new space for the big move, and hoping the relocation proved beneficial.

But now that has been in its new home for 13 days, Gagliardi said the move has yielded abundantly positive results.

"Customers are just raving about the (new) place," said Gagliardi. "So far, no one's had any trouble finding our new spot across the street. In fact, business is even better than at our ."

Gagliardi said she and 25 friends and family members closed , and officially opened for business across the street, on the same day.

"We started (moving inventory into the new shop) at seven in the morning on Sunday, Nov. 6," said Gagliardi. "Every section of the new shop had been prepared (prior to Nov. 6), so moving inventory was easy. Each item had its place; I knew where to hang and display everything.

"Then, we all went to for breakfast, came back, and had the store officially open by noon," she said, laughing. "And the business (influx) hasn't stopped since."

Gagliardi said she's added new merchandise at her new location: shoes. And with all the extra room—Marlene's new storefront is 2,000 square feet —the businesswoman said many of her collections will soon double in size.

"We're doubling our prom selection for the upcoming season. We're calling it, 'The Prom Salon,'" she said, motioning to the back right portion of the shop, reserved for prom dresses. "And we're also going to double inventory in accessories and shoes during that time; to accomodate mother-of-the-bride season."

And with all the success she's had in her new home, Gagliardi said she's happier than ever.

"It seems people feel a lot more comfortable stopping into this store. I don't know what it is, but I'm sure not complaining," she said, grinning. "I must be on the sunny side of the street nowadays."