Brides panic as Alfred Angelo stores close across the country

Calls to wedding gown maker Alfred Angelo went unanswered on Friday because the company had filed for bankruptcy that morning and was closing its stores and ending its distribution sales.

“As a result, all stores and wholesalers are closed”, according to the company, which is based in Delray Beach, FL and had 61 stores nationwide. The lights inside were out.

Lawrence told CNNMoney that she visited Alfred Angelo’s Manchester, Connecticut location in April and put down $950 for her dream wedding dress.

Brides across the country are losing their shit after Alfred Angelo Bridal store quietly closed up shop last week week, holding dresses hostage and leaving thousands of customers in a lurch.

From the outside, there was no indication at the chain’s Dedham store that it was going out of business, except for the customers rushing out and making new plans before their weddings. “One of them said they were all fired today”. And they’re, like, packing up the merchandise that’s in the store. None of the sales clerks mentioned the store would be closing. It’s an emotional decision-and typically a significant financial commitment-so the frustration felt by the brides who ordered and paid for their Alfred Angelo dresses months ago is understandable. It was a sample. “They were accepting cash and check payments only”, she said. That’s what brought her to the store Friday, having delayed ordering the dress. “Apparently there are dresses in the Toronto warehouse plus the ones down at the factory”.

Calhoun said she feels lucky and knows it could be much worse. Alfred Angelo had planned on having a shipment from China arrive on the West Coast with about $1.2 million worth of dresses and accessories. But when she was told Thursday she could not get a refund, Whelton started to cry. To find another dress right now, it’s crunch time.

The box also included note from the boutique employee who helped Woods, along with the floor sample dress, veil, and preservation kit.

GARCIA-NAVARRO: Near was finally able to track down her dress.