Brides can grab a bargain as Wisbech store marks end of an era
Would-be brides and their entourages may want to head to one of the area's longest serving bridal shops next week as it stages a massive clearance sale.
Young Romantics in Scrimshire Passage, Wisbech, is holding the event to mark the end of an era as owner Carol Faulkner starts her much-earned retirement.
Carol, who is in her 70s, has run the shop for the past 23 years, but her association with the business, which was previously run by Trish and Fred Ruddock goes back even further.
The mum of two daughters used to create jewellery for the Ruddocks, who ran the business making bespoke wedding gowns for customers for nearly 20 years.
Carol said: "When Trish and Fred were ready to retire they suggested I took on the business and I thought why not give it a go. I took over on July 19 1999 and I have loved every minute of the journey.
"I didn't really know what I was doing when I first started, my husband was in business and I hadn't really worked since I got married. But I felt my way and slowly built up different collections and added different designers.
"We offer a very personal service to all our brides and I don't think I would be wrong in estimating that I have helped between 2,000 and 3,000 brides find the dress of their dreams.
"I have been helped by both my daughters Heidi and Sally, and also had great support from Serena Wilkin until she left when she got married.
"The bridal business is lovely, but it is also hardwork and can be stressful at times. At the moment it is all a bit precarious because of the war in Ukraine which is disrupting deliveries and it can take up to five months for a wedding dress to arrive.
"In these difficult times of financial uncertainty and with a recession looming the time is right for me to finally retire and have some time to myself.
"The days of people paying £1,000 plus for a bridal gown are few and so from Tuesday (20) we move forward with huge discounts in all departments: bridal, bridesmaids, flower-girls, prom, mother of the bride and all accessories.
"The shop remains open for browsing but if people want to try dresses, whether its bridal, prom, mother of the bride or bridesmaid, they must make an appointment by calling 01945-465538 or 07435-788153 or via message on our Facebook page.
"I would say to anyone thinking about getting married to come along and grab a bargain - we are offering 50% off absolutely everything in the shop - it is not going to happen again. People must realise that we will be selling the dresses we have in stock, we will not be ordering dresses in so if we don't have it in their size then sadly that is that.
"We look forward to serving people and helping brides find that magical feeling and to say yes to their perfect dress as we decide what will happen with the business going forward."
