Alfred Angelo issues apology over closing shop on brides

By

Cassidy Mantor

Published
Jul 21, 2017

After declaring Chapter 7 liquidation bankruptcy abruptly and upsetting customers awaiting fulfillment of their wedding dress orders, bridal retailer Alfred Angelo has issued an official apology.

The company was headquartered in Florida and was in the bridal market since the 1930s. Last week the company filed Chapter 7 bankruptcy and announced it was closing all 60 of its locations across the country by the end of the week. Now it has written on its website, "We apologize for the inconvenience and hardship resulting from this event. We appreciate your patience. Thank you."

Unlike the frequent Chapter 11 debt restructuring bankruptcy filings that have been rippling through the fashion industry, Chapter 7 bankruptcy is a liquidation model which means all assets are sold and operations do not continue.

According to the bankruptcy filings, Alfred Angelo's assets amounted to $50,000 while its debt surpasses $50 million dollars.

The practical effect of the bankruptcy filing was that brides who were awaiting alterations and final shipment of their dresses were no longer assured they would receive their dresses. No information as to whether they would be refunded was provided.

The hardship to which Alfred Angelo refers has been met with a social media waves of former brides trying to help the stranded brides-to-be. Married women who still have their dresses have reached out to Alfred Angelo "victims" offering to share their altered dresses with current women affected. Other dress retailers are offering discounts on dresses to help out brides in last minute need.

Brides are now being directed to contact the bankruptcy trustee handling the case. Alfred Angelo's attorney has reportedly received letters from over 7,000 brides affected by the closure wondering whether they will get their dresses in time for their weddings.