The Power Duo: 5 Surprising Facts About The Current Owners Of Kleinfeld Bridal

The iconic Kleinfeld Bridal, the mecca of wedding fashion immortalized by the hit TLC show Say Yes to the Dress, is not owned by a single figure, but rather a dynamic partnership that rescued the brand from obscurity and transformed it into a global phenomenon. As of December 12, 2025, the company is co-owned and actively managed by retail veterans Mara Urshel and Ronnie Rothstein, who serve as the face and operational backbone of the 35,000-square-foot Manhattan flagship store.

This powerhouse duo, along with a silent partner, took over the Brooklyn-based institution and masterminded its relocation to Chelsea, New York, and its subsequent explosion in popularity through reality television. Their business strategy is a masterclass in merging luxury retail with high-touch hospitality, a model that continues to define the "Kleinfeld Experience" for thousands of brides each year.

Mara Urshel and Ronnie Rothstein: The Masterminds Behind the Veil

The current ownership and operational leadership of Kleinfeld Bridal rests squarely on the shoulders of Mara Urshel and Ronnie Rothstein. Their partnership is a blend of high-end retail expertise and keen business acumen, a combination that proved perfect for turning a historic but struggling boutique into a media giant.

• The Chilling True Story 5 Key Facts About Richard Evonitz The Serial Killer Who Kidnapped Kara Robinson Chamberlain Xpjje

Mara Urshel Profile

• Current Role: Co-Owner and Principal (Involved in day-to-day management and merchandising).
• Professional Background: A seasoned retail executive with an illustrious career before Kleinfeld. She previously served as a Senior Vice President at a major, high-profile department store. Her background is in merchandising and operations.
• Key Contribution: Responsible for the store's merchandising strategy, the development of Kleinfeld’s private label collections (such as Alita Graham and Danielle Caprese), and overseeing the unique high-touch customer experience.

Ronnie Rothstein Profile

• Current Role: Co-Owner and Chief Executive Officer (CEO).
• Education: Graduated from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania.
• Professional Background: Began his career practicing law in Miami, Florida, before moving into various management and executive positions in business.
• Key Contribution: Manages the business operations, legal, and financial aspects of the company. He has been the CEO since the partners’ acquisition in 1999.

The 1999 Acquisition That Saved Kleinfeld

The Kleinfeld Bridal story began in 1941 in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, as a fur and special occasion salon founded by Hedda Kleinfeld Schachter and her husband, Jack Schacter. Over the decades, it grew into a bridal institution. However, by the late 1990s, the business was facing significant challenges.

The original Kleinfeld was acquired by Gordon Brothers Capital at one point during its corporate history. This set the stage for the pivotal 1999 acquisition by the current partners, which marked the true beginning of the modern Kleinfeld era.

The Third, Unexpected Partner: Wayne Rogers

The 1999 purchase was a three-way partnership involving Mara Urshel, Ronnie Rothstein, and the late actor Wayne Rogers.

• 5 Shocking Facts About Anna Congdon Penn State Sweetheart To Nfl Fiances Social Media Firestorm Cc90e

• The M*A*S*H Connection: Rogers, best known for his role as "Trapper John" on the classic TV series *M*A*S*H*, was not just an actor but a shrewd investor and businessman.
• His Role: Rogers specialized in helping to turn around distressed businesses. His investment and financial expertise were crucial in the acquisition and subsequent restructuring of Kleinfeld.
• Legacy: Although Wayne Rogers passed away in 2015, his initial investment and business guidance remain a foundational part of the company’s success and history.

The new ownership immediately began to modernize the company, shifting its focus from a local Brooklyn landmark to a global luxury destination. This transformation included a massive expansion of the store’s inventory, introducing exclusive private labels, and, most famously, a dramatic relocation.

From Brooklyn Institution to Manhattan Media Empire

One of the most significant decisions made by Urshel and Rothstein was the move from Brooklyn to Manhattan. The original store in Bay Ridge was closed, and the new, expansive 35,000-square-foot flagship salon was opened in the fashionable Chelsea neighborhood of New York City.

This strategic relocation put Kleinfeld at the heart of the world’s fashion capital and aligned perfectly with their new business strategy: balancing luxury retail with unparalleled hospitality.

• The Unseen Story Jessica Simpsons Battle For Privacy And Body Image In A Digital Age Mlvqa

The Say Yes to the Dress Effect

The owners’ biggest gamble—and greatest success—was their partnership with TLC to create the reality show *Say Yes to the Dress* (SYTTD), which premiered in 2007.

• Global Brand Recognition: The show turned Kleinfeld from a New York institution into an international household name, drawing brides from all 50 states and dozens of countries.
• The Star Consultants: The owners' vision allowed key staff members, such as Randy Fenoli and the team of dedicated bridal consultants, to become celebrities in their own right, further driving the store's appeal.
• Retail-Hospitality Model: The show perfectly showcased the store's unique business model, which treats the dress-buying experience as a high-stakes, emotional, and highly personalized event—a blend of retail and hospitality.

Modern Innovations and Business Entities

The current owners continue to innovate to keep the Kleinfeld brand relevant in the ever-changing retail landscape. Their focus remains on expanding the brand's topical authority beyond the physical store.

The KleinfeldAgain.com Resale Marketplace

In a major move to embrace sustainability and the pre-owned luxury market, Ronnie Rothstein announced the launch of KleinfeldAgain.com. This official resale marketplace allows brides to sell their gently used or new Kleinfeld gowns.

• Strategic Expansion: This initiative allows Kleinfeld to maintain a relationship with its past brides and tap into the growing market for nearly new dresses.
• Brand Trust: The platform leverages the Kleinfeld name to provide a trusted, curated environment for high-value transactions.

Product Diversification

Under the guidance of Urshel and Rothstein, the Kleinfeld name has extended to other product categories through strategic partnerships. One notable expansion is the debut of the Kleinfeld Bridal Fashion Jewelry Line, created in partnership with Centric Brands. This move further solidifies Kleinfeld as a comprehensive lifestyle brand for the wedding industry.

The continuous success of Kleinfeld Bridal under Mara Urshel and Ronnie Rothstein is a testament to their ability to honor the store's rich history while aggressively embracing modern media and retail innovation. They have successfully cemented Kleinfeld’s status as the world’s largest luxury bridal store, ensuring that thousands more brides will continue to "Say Yes to the Dress" for years to come.