For better or for worse. A celebrated wedding gown maker says, sadly, it's the latter. Priscilla of Boston earned a top spot on the international nuptial map when it was commissioned to design the bridesmaid gowns for the wedding of Philadelphia's own Grace Kelly.
Now by the end of this year, all of its 20 stores, including the one in Ardmore, will close up shop.
"Our brides are going to be okay. We will be honoring all of the orders we have already taken and we will make them with the care we have always made them with," said Samantha Barth, an assistant manager of the Ardmore location.
The store says all final orders for brides and bridal parties will arrive between Dec 15-30. Suzanne McDevitt is still waiting for her gown to arrive, but says she isn't worried one bit. "They reassured us that everything will be fine. My dress will be in a little earlier which is fine with me," said Mcdevitt. Before they shut their doors, everything in the store must go. Everything in the store including their high end couture like Priscilla's private line, Vera Wang and Melissa Sweet will be 40 percent off.
"I just found out about it yesterday I wasn't even planning to start looking yet and a friend called and said you have to go," said Stephanie Gallagher. The down economy is bringing this landmark store to a close but for blushing brides to be, that means big bargains for their big day.