Anger as bridal gown shop closes
BRIDES-TO-BE LEFT IN PANIC AS NEWS OF CLOSURE BREAKS ON SOCIAL MEDIA
BRIDES-TO-BE say they have been left hundreds of pounds out of pocket and without anything to wear on their big day after a bridal shop closed suddenly.
Long-established boutique Brides of Leigh announced that it was ceasing trading at short-notice – prompting panic among brides-to-be.
Jenna Heesom, who is getting married in a month, claims shop staff slammed the door in her face when she went to try to collect her dream dress after spending weeks chasing the order.
She said: “Well, today I had to go through what no bride should have to. I’ve been chasing my dress from Brides of Leigh for weeks now, who kept reassuring me my dress would be here in time for my wedding.
“Today, I went to the shop, which has now closed down. None of the women had the decency to contact me and tell me I didn’t have a dress. “They let me put my trust in them.” Julie Griffin, 36, paid £400 for a dress in March but now says Brides of Leigh has told her to try and claim the money back via her bank.
Devastated Julie, who runs an ice cream van in Newton-le-Willows, fears this will be impossible as she paid via debit card.
And she had no idea whether she will be able to get married in the dress she chose.
She said: “I saw the news on Facebook at 6am and I could not believe it, it is a nightmare.”
The shop, on Leigh Road, posted news of their closure on Facebook on Tuesday. It said: “Unfortunately after 29 years in business, Brides of Leigh has been forced to close its doors.
“All current orders placed will be fulfilled.
“All customers will, within the next few days, receive letters declaring our closure together with instructions of who to contact.
“I am deeply sorry for any panic or distress this has caused. This was never our intention.
“Your patience is appreciated during this sad time.”
Dozens of people have commented on the post, with several saying they were struggling to find out whether they would receive their dresses, and had also found the shop closed with the shutters down when they had visited.
The M.E.N. has approached Brides of Leigh for a comment.