Rebecca Baddeley of The Dressing Rooms offers some personal advice to help shops following the news of Alfred Angelo’s closure
Here’s what she suggests:
Call all brides in wear date order who have AA orders outstanding. Calmly and positively explain what has happened. Explain your decided cut-off date (as above). The bride needs to know you are confident about helping them through this difficult time.
Ask them to come in as soon as possible to look at alternatives. Legally a refund has to be offered as a last resort if no other product can replace. Avoid chargebacks on card payments as this can unduly raise concerns with your card provider.
Unfortunately there will be a financial loss to every AA stockist somewhere along the lines but above all my advice would be to stay strong and positive, do not try blaming the internet/Wed2be/Davids/other suppliers etc etc, as ultimately this is not helpful to our industry.
If you’ve been affected by the closure or have anything to add, get in touch: bridalbuyer@oceanmedia.co.uk.