David’s Bridal says all of its stores and its corporate offices will close this summer.
Despite selling one out of every three wedding dresses in the United States and a booming wedding industry, bridal retailer David's Bridal will be closing all of its stores in Wisconsin and laying off staff.
David's Bridal currently operates 298 stores in 49 states, Canada, and the United Kingdom. The company has advised that the six Wisconsin stores will close between June 12 and August 11 resulting in 147 people in Wisconsin losing their jobs.
In total, the company is eliminating over 10,000 jobs.
David's has been in operation for over 72 years but has struggled to compete with online retailers. Despite last year being a big year for weddings in the United States, "nearly 2.5 million weddings were held — the most in four decades," people have been cutting back on costs as inflation hits.
The news isn't great timing for customers as we head into the busy wedding and prom season though the company has assured clients their dresses will still be made and delivered on time.
There is some important advice for customers of David's Bridal from Lisa Schiller from the Better Business Bureau of Wisconsin.
"You’ll want to get your receipts in order, your proof of purchase, any other documents like warranty or manuals, anything that goes along with the purchase you made. And then check with the bank or credit card company you used to make that purchase.” Lisa Schiller from the Better Business Bureau of Wisconsin
David's Bridal stores in Wisconsin
- Fashion Center, 16900 W Bluemound Rd, Brookfield, WI 53005
- Prairie Towne Center, 8118 Mineral Point Rd, Madison, WI 53719
- 8450 Sura Ln, Greenfield, WI 53228
- Fox River Plaza, 4625 W Michaels Dr, Grand Chute, WI 54913
- White Oak Commons, 4840 Keystone Crossing, Eau Claire, WI 54701
- Shoppes at the Village, 2605 S Oneida St Ste 120, Ashwaubenon, WI 54304
Retail apocalypse
Across the nation, retail stores are closing and there are predictions over 50,000 will close by 2028.
Over the last two months, Bed Bath & Beyond, Party City, and Tuesday Morning have filed for bankruptcy while major chains such as Walmart and Target are closing stores.
Your thoughts
Will David's Bridal store closure and staff layoffs affect you? Do you believe the government should offer these businesses more financial support? Are you concerned about those people who will lose their jobs? Do you fear we could be heading toward a recession?
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