Design House Alfred Angelo Has Closed Its Stores

Popular bridal retailer Alfred Angelo made news last week when it abruptly closed the doors to its 60+ stores, and then filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy protection two days later. And while word – and panic – spread rapidly among potentially affected brides, the company’s legal representation announced they’re working to arrange the release of dresses currently awaiting pickup in stores.

Stores referred customers seeking information to Miami-based attorney Patricia Ann Redmond of Stearns Weaver Miller, the law firm representing the retailer. Ms. Redmond can be reached via email at predmond@stearnsweaver.com.

“I’ve been prioritizing them by the dates of their weddings,” Redmond told the Miami Herald of the thousands of inquiries she’s received thus far. Redmond also told the outlet she’s arranging a short-term loan to facilitate the completion of an incoming shipment of wedding gowns and accessories valued at $1.2MM from China so additional orders can be fulfilled.

Redmond isn’t the only one going above and beyond to help keep brides’ wedding dreams intact. Some Alfred Angelo employees reportedly worked without pay to assist pairing brides with their dresses after shops closed, while competing retailer David’s Bridal has generously offered discounts on replacement gowns for brides and bridesmaids who can provide receipts for their Alfred Angelo orders. The company is also waiving rush fees in order to help brides meet their event dates.

For those with some time to spare before their wedding dates, waiting may be the best course of action for now. "Many of the stores shipped the dresses out to people if they were on hand before the closing of the stores, so some people may receive them through the mail," Redmond told an NBC news affiliate in Seattle, WA.

The Alfred Angelo website is currently referring customers seeking information on the status of their orders to the appointed bankruptcy trustee, Margaret Smith. You can contact Ms. Smith at alfredangelo@mjstrustee.com.

For those brides and/or bridesmaids who purchased an Alfred Angelo gown and need a replacement dress as soon as possible, some retailers are offering discounts to assist. Online bridesmaid-dress rental service Vow to Be Chic is offering 10% off with the code VOWTOHELP10 to help bridal parties who have been affected by the closings. Other stores across the country have upcoming sample sales that could benefit brides and bridesmaids, including The White Dress in Orange County, California (July 21st-22nd) and Kleinfeld Bridal in New York City on August 1st.

Founded in 1933, Alfred Angelo offered special occasion fashion and accessories at 1,400+ retailers worldwide in addition to their Alfred Angelo Bridal Signature Stores located across America.

Opening photo by David Manning Photography; Consulting by Tessa Lyn Events