Latest news with #David'sBridal

Miami Herald
29-05-2025
- Business
- Miami Herald
After Chapter 11 bankruptcy, key retailer debuts new store concept
The past few years have been tough on the retail industry, and no sector of the market has been spared. We've seen popular mall clothing stores shutter and niche stores like Party City and fabrics giant Joann say goodbye for good. The trouble started in 2020, when stay-at-home orders forced consumers to do their shopping online. Retailers that weren't ahead of the game on the shipping front lost out to giants like Amazon and Walmart that already had those networks in place. Don't miss the move: Subscribe to TheStreet's free daily newsletter Once society reopened, inflation started to take a toll. And while it's cooled these past couple of years, consumers are still grappling with higher costs. Related: Iconic mall retailer closing more stores this month That's forced a lot of people to make changes in the way they spend money, including cutting back on retail purchases. And so not surprisingly, a number of popular brands have been forced into bankruptcy as a result of sluggish sales. Image source: Getty Images The pandemic not only hammered the retail industry, but it also did a number on the wedding industry. At a time when people were told not to get within six feet of each other, the idea of gathering dozens of guests in a room to celebrate someone's marriage wasn't exactly feasible or appealing. Related: Walmart makes surprise cuts as it looks at tariff price hikes Not surprisingly, David's Bridal lost out on a ton of business not just during the pandemic, but in the months that followed. So it wasn't surprising when the company filed for Chapter 11 in April of 2023, marking the company's second bankruptcy filing. The first took place in 2018. At the time, the goal of filing for bankruptcy was for David's Bridal to reduce its debt and reorganize. The company was able to save about 200 stores from closing and keep them operating. But it was clear at the time that the brand needed a refresh. And that's been the focus since. David's Bridal has been trying to reinvent itself since filing for bankruptcy. Part of that shift has the company building out an online marketplace that goes beyond traditional wedding dresses to include men's attire and party dresses. Now, David's Bridal is debuting a new store concept called Diamonds & Pearls in Delray Beach, Florida. If it proves successful, the company plans to open additional locations. Related: Iconic department store flagship survives, still could close Diamonds & Pearls will carry merchandise that's not available at other David's Bridal locations. The goal is to pare down inventory and instead offer a more exclusive, curated assortment of products that range from "affordable luxury to couture." "[Diamonds & Pearls] is where trend meets tradition, where high fashion meets high touch and high tech, and where we bring the full power of David's and all of our offerings into a modern, elevated setting," CEO Kelly Cook said in a statement. In addition to carefully selected inventory, Diamonds & Pearls will feature digital technology that makes it easier for customers to shop. Given the past struggles of David's Bridal, it makes sense for the company to try to position itself as a hipper, more tech-savvy version of what it's known to be. The question, though, is whether it will succeed. More Retail: Walmart CEO sounds alarm on a big problem for customersTarget makes a change that might scare Walmart, CostcoTop investor takes firm stance on troubled retail brandWalmart and Costco making major change affecting all customers At a time when consumers are spending more cautiously, many are bucking the traditional wedding trend in favor of low-key gatherings. It will be interesting to see if David's Bridal is able to stay afloat during these interesting economic times. But having filed for bankruptcy twice already, the company is no doubt eager to avoid flirting with a third go-round. The Arena Media Brands, LLC THESTREET is a registered trademark of TheStreet, Inc.
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Ruined your wedding dress? Here's how DoorDash can help your wedding emergency
(WHTM) — June is traditionally the biggest wedding month, but many couples are rethinking the traditional big wedding ceremony, and the industry is meeting those needs. With weddings costing tens of thousands of dollars, more and more couples are skipping the big reception and going small. Some are getting married on a moment's notice. If so, one bridal chain wants to help. 'This would be one of our off-the-rack little white dresses,' says Tasha Ruphard, who has an unconventional solution for brides who have decided on a last-minute wedding. A DoorDasher can pick up an item that's in stock in your size and color and deliver it to your home. David's Bridal partnered with DoorDash to deliver dresses as quickly as a fast food meal!Of course, brides have been able to order online for years, but when is that dress going to show up? Well, with DoorDash, you should get it within an hour. From jewelry to last-minute bachelorette party accessories, the platform has mostly inexpensive dresses that you order after some simple measurements. Of course, don't expect custom tailoring here at the alterations shop, St. Claire's Closet. Owner Elizabeth Stockhauser has fixed plenty of online dresses that were a poor fit. 'There are less layers in there, less foam, the pads are a little cheaper, sometimes you get a look that doesn't quite fit right,' said Stockhauser, who has a lot of concerns with buying any wedding dress online, even if it is not last. 'The fabric or the cut is not what it looks like on the model, so you have to watch out, sometimes pictures are not the same product. Instead, she says, try your local bridal salon for samples or off-the-rack dresses, or buy a dress secondhand at a consignment or used clothing boutique. But bride-to-be Toni Goldsmith loves the idea of DoorDash if a detail slips through the cracks. 'I think that would save a lot of bridezillas from happening, if they were able to have that,' said Goldsmith. 'While you may not want to doordash your wedding gown. It's a great way to get that last-minute item someone forgot, when you are already at the church.' It may not be perfect, but it beats taking that wedding photo in a sweatshirt and shorts, and way you don't waste your money. Find more stories on Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.


Axios
20-05-2025
- Business
- Axios
Couples brace for pricier weddings due to tariffs
Getting hitched could soon get even more expensive. Why it matters: Engaged couples are bracing for price hikes on flowers, dresses, cakes, invitations and more because of President Trump's roller-coaster tariffs. The big picture: America imports many of its wedding staples. Nearly all clothes and shoes sold here arrive from other countries. Between the lines: Tariffs stand to push up the $33,000 cost of an average U.S. wedding, according to The Knot, a planning and registry website. Alcohol ($2,800), floral arrangements ($2,700) and a dress ($2,100) represent some of the steepest expenses. As brides and grooms-to-be commiserate on social media, they urge others to rush certain purchases and book vendors early. "Get those bridesmaid dresses ordered," one user posted in a Reddit community for wedding planning. Speaking of dresses, David's Bridal is responding to tariff troubles by hosting a "Sample Sale" from May 28-30, which features steep discounts.


USA Today
19-05-2025
- Business
- USA Today
David's Bridal opens new retail concept for wedding dresses called Diamonds & Pearls
David's Bridal opens new retail concept for wedding dresses called Diamonds & Pearls Show Caption Hide Caption Wedding website tips: How to share important details with guests Wedding websites can help your guests easily access information about your big day. Problem Solved David's Bridal is opening a new bridal retail concept aimed at delivering "elevated, curated and personalized" experiences for brides looking for the perfect wedding dress. The concept, announced last Thursday, shares the name of a popular Prince song: Diamonds & Pearls. It looks to provide a "space that seamlessly blends timeless elegance with contemporary allure," according to the company. "At David's, we believe every bride deserves a magical experience-and it starts the moment she walks into one of our stores," said Kelly Cook, CEO of David's Bridal, in the news release. "With Diamonds & Pearls, we're taking this promise to the next level." Where is the first Diamond & Pearls location? The first Diamonds & Pearls location is currently open to shoppers and booking appointments in Delray Beach, Florida, with a second location to open later this year, David's Bridal said in a news release. The store aims to blend the "hospitality of a high-end bridal boutique with David's recent technology" and is designed for "a new generation of brides who crave modern styling options, personalization, and a luxurious way to shop for their dream dress," according to the company. According to David's Bridal, Diamonds & Pearls stores will feature a "thoughtfully edited selection" with approximately one-third the options found in a traditional David's Bridal store, tailored to the "most trending styles and silhouettes." The store concept also aims to "revolutionize" its in-store and digital retail experience, the company said. Store openings: IKEA opening new locations in 2025 and 2026. Here's where. David's Bridal dealt with bankruptcy woes The opening of this new concept comes amid troubles in recent years for the retailer. In April 2023, David's Bridal filed for bankruptcy and laid off more than 9,200 employees. In July 2023, they were able to sell the business to asset manager Cion Investment Corp in a no-cash transaction, Reuters reported. And in 2018, the chain also filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection but came out of it the next year. Contributing: Amanda Pérez Pintado; Reuters Gabe Hauari is a national trending news reporter at USA TODAY. You can follow him on X @GabeHauari or email him at Gdhauari@
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
David's Bridal opens new 'elevated' retail concept called Diamonds & Pearls
David's Bridal is opening a new bridal retail concept aimed at delivering "elevated, curated and personalized" experiences for brides looking for the perfect wedding dress. The concept, announced last Thursday, shares the name of a popular Prince song: Diamonds & Pearls. It looks to provide a "space that seamlessly blends timeless elegance with contemporary allure," according to the company. "At David's, we believe every bride deserves a magical experience-and it starts the moment she walks into one of our stores," said Kelly Cook, CEO of David's Bridal, in the news release. "With Diamonds & Pearls, we're taking this promise to the next level." The first Diamonds & Pearls location is currently open to shoppers and booking appointments in Delray Beach, Florida, with a second location to open later this year, David's Bridal said in a news release. The store aims to blend the "hospitality of a high-end bridal boutique with David's recent technology" and is designed for "a new generation of brides who crave modern styling options, personalization, and a luxurious way to shop for their dream dress," according to the company. According to David's Bridal, Diamonds & Pearls stores will feature a "thoughtfully edited selection" with approximately one-third the options found in a traditional David's Bridal store, tailored to the "most trending styles and silhouettes." The store concept also aims to "revolutionize" its in-store and digital retail experience, the company said. Store openings: IKEA opening new locations in 2025 and 2026. Here's where. The opening of this new concept comes amid troubles in recent years for the retailer. In April 2023, David's Bridal filed for bankruptcy and laid off more than 9,200 employees. In July 2023, they were able to sell the business to asset manager Cion Investment Corp in a no-cash transaction, Reuters reported. And in 2018, the chain also filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection but came out of it the next year. Contributing: Amanda Pérez Pintado; Reuters Gabe Hauari is a national trending news reporter at USA TODAY. You can follow him on X @GabeHauari or email him at Gdhauari@ This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: David's Bridal's new Diamonds & Pearls offers high-end wedding dresses Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data