Local businesses offer help to jilted brides
VALPARAISO, Aug 09, 2012 (Menafn - The Times - McClatchy-Tribune Information Services via COMTEX) --A number of local businesses have stepped up to help brides-to-be left in the lurch by the closing of Sisters Bridal last week.
David's Bridal announced brides with a receipt from Sisters Bridal, who didn't get their dresses, can get a 40 percent discount on any off-the-rack dresses and accessories at any of their stores in the Chicago area, including the one in Merrillville, through Aug. 19.
The offer also extends to those who already got replacement dresses from David's before the discount was announced Wednesday.
That was music to Christina McClendon's ears.
She is one of the brides jilted by Sisters Bridal. McClendon learned of the closing from The Times story and was given enough time off her job Wednesday to go to David's to find a replacement for the 804 gown she had paid for at Sisters.
McClendon, of Michigan City, was in David's when the store was informed of the discount offer. She ordered her dress from Sisters in February and it was supposed to arrive July 25. McClendon said she was told by Sisters owner Terry Berntsen on July 24 that it probably wouldn't ship until July 28, and she would call her when she knew more.
"It was amazing to find out about the discount," McClendon said.
The store closed n July 29 and almost all the merchandise was removed.
Two Valparaiso bridal stores also are offering help: Here Comes the Dress, at 3907 Calumet Ave., and Cupid Wedding and Portrait Studios, 151 W. Lincolnway. Both are helping victims by contacting the manufacturers of the dresses to see if they can be rerouted to their stores.
"I talked to about 20 brides already," Aubrey Rettig, owner of Here Comes the Dress, said Wednesday afternoon. "We've found in some cases the order was never placed. We are offering significant discounts for those who lost dresses. We will do whatever we can to help them without too much more out of pocket."
Rettig told those who ordered dresses at Sisters not to rush out and buy another until it is determined whether the original dress can be rescued. Cupid Wedding owner Lucy Jaime said she is offering up to 50 percent discounts on in-stock items for Sisters' victims as well as a break on wedding photos.
"Depending on the vendor, Sisters Bridal carried some of the same products we have, and, if they have the receipt, we probably can track the dress down," Jaime said.
Joe Bobrowski and his wife own a photo booth company, Say Memories, in Valparaiso, and he said he will provide the booths free to Sisters' victims. He said he remembered the stress his wife went through for their wedding. He can be reached at (219) 405-3986 or on their Web site, Saymemories.com.
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