Razzle Dazzle to mark 35th year in business Tuesday
A Cape Coral boutique is celebrating a milestone anniversary of providing first-class service and first-class wardrobe for women.
Razzle Dazzle Boutique is marking 35 years in business this year, and will celebrate with a sold-out anniversary fashion show on Nov. 18, followed by a special sale with anniversary pricing.
Husband-and-wife owners Ralph and Cathy Sangiovanni, who are both Cape Coral “pioneers”, said they have seen the downtown storefront blossom and bloom just as the city has over three-plus decades.
“It means the world for us not only to live in paradise, but to have a business and to serve the community,” Ralph said. “This is something we both enjoy, and we’ve loved being here for 35 years to provide a needed service.”
Their always-popular fashion show has sold out, where Ralph, who has a background in deejaying, will spin the tunes while women get to see and sport the hottest and latest trends. Following the show, Razzle Dazzle will open for a discounted shopping experience.
“One of the things that has made us so successful is our fashion shows,” Cathy said. “We’ve been putting them on for years. We get a big crowd…and the mix of the fashion and the music has really been successful. The models and crowd really get into the music. It’s just a fun experience for all.”
Razzle Dazzle features a wide variety of women’s clothing, from shirts, to pants, to tops, skirts, dresses and more. The Sangiovannis call it “a candy shop for women without the calories.”
The 2,000-square-foot shop specializes in Florida attire, meaning lots of vibrant colors.
The Sangiovannis say what really sets them apart from competitors is the hands-on approach and care they have for their customers.
“The most important thing we’ve learned through the years is that the customer is first and foremost,” Ralph said. “We’ve always felt that way. When you gain a customer’s trust, that means the world. Without that, you have nothing.”
Ralph added that he, his wife, and the staff at Razzle Dazzle always let their customers know they are appreciated.
“The most important product that you can possibly have is the trust of the people, and that you treat them right and fair,” he said.
Cathy said the personal service at Razzle Dazzle goes above and beyond any department or big-box store.
“Our store, it’s all about personal service,” she said. “You never have to go get something off the shelf yourself. We make sure that you look good, not just make a sale. We want our customers to come back. It’s not all about making the sale, it’s about making our customers feel and look good.”
The Sangiovannis truly want to give all women who walk through their doors a “Razzle Dazzle” look, and will be transparent with clothing selections to make them feel their best.
With long-term success comes long-term partnerships with their distributors, which Ralph said has lasted nearly since day one.
“The products, the clothing that we carry is nothing but high-quality,” he said. “And we like to have as much product made in the U.S.A. as possible.”
Styles and trends have come and gone, which the Sangiovannis can certainly attest to, but Razzle Dazzle has stayed put — and anchor in the city’s original downtown, rebranded as the South Cape.
The store is home to a large selection of “Lulu-B” attire, which is a popular selection for many who patronize Razzle Dazzle.
“We specialize in color, and we want you to say ‘wow’ when you walk in the doors,” Cathy said. “When people come in and they’re from up north and have just moved here, they are taken aback and become customers.”
With the rise in online shopping, Cathy said women still love to come in and try on clothes, rather than get something in the mail and have to return it.
“We hear people say they’re sick and tired of shopping online,” Ralph added. “You can come in, see what you like, try it on, and have a personal service.”
The Sangiovannis said one of the most rewarding aspects of being in business for 35 years is their customer base, and how far the word of Razzle Dazzle has spread.
“Our clients come here from all over the country,” Ralph said. “We just had a customer tell us she was on a cruise wearing a Razzle Dazzle outfit, and had someone ask her where she got it. When she told the woman she got it from Razzle Dazzle in Southwest Florida, the woman said she had heard of it.”
Cathy added, “Our name is well known all around the country with all of the people we sell to, with people coming to Cape Coral from all over the country.
“We’re not just all about glitz and glamour, we have something for everybody.”
The Sangiovannis hope the legacy of Razzle Dazzle continues in the future, giving immense credit to their staff at the shop.
“This would not be possible without the staff we’ve have over the years,” Ralph said.
With retirement closer than it is far away for the pair, a new employee, Ralph’s daughter, who served 32 years in the military as a lieutenant colonel, could be the one to carry Razzle Dazzle into the next stage.
“We’re very excited to have her with us,” Cathy said.
Both Cathy and Ralph extended a big “thank you” to the community for its support across 35 years.
“The support means the world to us,” Ralph said. “We respect the community and the people here.”
Cathy added, “We thank and appreciate the thousands of women who have supported us through the years. We have a huge mailing list all over the country. Just a huge thank you to everyone.”
Razzle Dazzle will be running a special this week of 35% off one item by mentioning this article at the store.
Razzle Dazzle is at 1335 Cape Coral Parkway E., and is open from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays.
For more information, visit razzledazzlecapecoral.com.