Monique's Bridal

08/06/2017

Alfred Angelo was my best selling company for most of my 15 years in Retail Bridal. In the past 5 years or so we saw a company shift -- they were less focused on customer service and more focused on growing big. It did not serve them well. I am so relieved that I do not have to explain this mess to my customers. It would be a small town retailer's worst nightmare. My heart goes out to all the brides affected by this.

This is an email from Peter Grimes, Editor of "Vows" Magazine:

Alfred Angelo's final statement:

With today's posting by the trustee handling the Chapter 7 filing for Alfred Angelo essentially stating that brides are out of luck, I thought I would update the list of manufacturers and sites still cleaning up this mess, including House of Wu announcement that they will fabricate replicas of all current AA gowns and maids.

First... here's the statement (which will no doubt continue to feed the frenzy from brides and media):

"The Chapter 7 Trustee greatly regrets the upset that Alfred Angelo’s July 14th bankruptcy filing has caused its customers. While we have been successful in obtaining customer records and delivering many dresses and accessories for customers all over the country, even after the bankruptcy filing date, it has now become apparent that the logistical and financial strain of fulfilling each and every open order makes continuing that course of action no longer possible.

"Thus, to the extent any order has not been fully delivered to a customer, it shall have to remain unfilled. If you believe you are owed any money, please use the link below to complete a proof of claim. Please be advised that neither the Chapter 7 Trustee nor her counsel are authorized to provide legal advice to any affected customer regarding their purchase."

So... the need to change the narrative out there addressed in my last email is even more pressing... and will be for some time yet. At the risk of repeating myself... we need to make this statement to brides, media, friends... everybody:

The closure of Alfred Angelo stores is another example of the dire straits today's national chain store retail operations are in. It is not an indictment of bridal retail. It is Main Street specialty and full service bridal retailers with strong ties to the local community that make up the strength and stability of bridal retail... and ultimately it is they that will clean up the mess left by big box national chain stores.
Thank you to all who have corresponded with us re: their efforts to help out their brides...it's shown a key industry "silver lining" of the AA debacle: competitors who have never spoken with each other are now doing so...

Keep fighting the good fight,

Peter

12/30/2016

Monique's Bridal is officially closed (with hopes that it is temporary). A potential sale is pending and I can only hope and pray that the lender sees the significance of keeping this business alive and giving another young woman the opportunity to pursue a dream. I will keep you, my loyal customers and followers updated when I hear. Wishing you all a fun and safe New Year and a 2017 that is filled with good health, happiness and love. Thank you to all who have patronized Monique's over the years. Blessings

12/22/2016

One more day to shop Monique's Bridal! Storewide...75% OFF! Stop in and see us...even if just for a hug!!!!❤❤❤

11/21/2016

Our Motto has always been "Life's a Party...Dress Up". After 15 years, the party is over, but we're celebrating our pending closure with great sales. Come on in to Monique's Tuesday and Wednesday for huge savings on all inventory. 50-75% off. Everything must go!

11/15/2016

Don't forget the sparkle!!!!😍 50% off!!!!

11/15/2016

50% off accessories too!!!

11/15/2016

Both of these beauties are now 50% off!!😍 Amazing sales going on at Monique's Bridal!! See you soon!

11/15/2016

Storewide. Starting now. Prom and Wedding 50-75% off. Don't walk, ... run to Monique's.

11/15/2016

Chapter 2 - Beginning.
The summer of 2001 was spent preparing to open "Monique's Bridal". All kinds of names for the business had run through my head - Monica's Bridal, Monique's Boutique, Home Town Bridal, Downtown Bridal .... and on and on. For those who don't know, Monique is a nickname given to me by my nursing friends in college. It had a nice ring. And so it began. We gutted, we painted, we wallpapered, we built walls, we had signs made (and yes, they are now in pretty bad shape). I will post a few when I get a chance. My family and friends all pitched in. My husband with his hammer and nails, my dad with the paint can, mom with a broom, E with all the creativity she could muster. Becky Rosenkrans, the Bead Gypsy and I almost hung upside down to hang the wallpaper border that remains today. My dad and I climbed up on the roof of the building and painted the top trim. The kids helped, and played, and we had a ball. Tammy Doebler and I traveled to Chicago and NYC to Bridal Markets and bought dresses and shoes and jewelry and weird black velvet capes. In January of 2002, we opened the door. The Roseau Times Region did a story. And we booked our first wedding. Those were exciting times and the fire burned in me. "Sky above me, earth below me, fire within me ...."

11/15/2016

11/15/2016

Yes, we have them. Your butt will thank you.

11/15/2016

Does your hubby need a suit for that special event? Son need one for hockey game days? Winter formals? Lifecare event? Great prices from Savvi Formalwear at Monique's. Order now!!!! Available in Black, Navy, light gray, charcoal and black (availability size dependent).