A MUCH-loved wedding shop dubbed the best bridal boutique in Scotland has announced its shock closure – leaving fans gutted.
That Special Day Bridal, located on Baird Road in Livingston, has served thousands of customers since it first opened ten years ago.
But bosses revealed that the store will close its doors for the final time in the coming months, although no exact date has been announced.
Gutted staff announced the closure to customers in a heartbreaking post on social media earlier today.
In it, bosses explained that the store has been forced to close due to “personal reasons” but thanked everyone for their support.
All members of staff have also reportedly lost their jobs during the “very stressful and upsetting time”.
Announcing the news on Facebook, the store’s owner said: “It’s with absolute sadness that due to personal reasons I announce the closure of my store That Special Day Bridal.
“I am however, so grateful to every customer that has walked through our doors and allowed me and my staff the pleasure of being part of your special day.
TSD was never just a business, it was also never just selling a dress. To me and my staff it was so much more than that
Bosses at That Special Day Bridal
“The memories, laughs and friendships we have made over the last 10 years will stay with us forever.
“With thousands of customers on our records there is certainly a lot of fond memories to remember.
“I will never quite get over how far we took the store and will always look back with fondness and will be forever proud.
“TSD was never just a business, it was also never just selling a dress. To me and my staff it was so much more than that.
“It was about supporting and helping our customers to accept that they are beautiful, and they can wear the most beautiful gown to match how beautiful they are regardless of size, gender or even expectation of others.
“Allowing them a place to step into where they would feel safe and non-judged and be able to be themselves in order to make the right dress decision for them.
“It was also about being there for our customers from the minute they step into our store until their special day.
“From day 1 our main objective was about giving the ultimate bridal experience, and while the say yes mocktails and all the little adds on were lovely, it was the memories we helped create that is the most special to all of us.”
Bosses also revealed that the store is launching a huge closing-down sale which will start this Saturday.
As a plus size bride looking for dresses was very daunting… But I found you guys at TDS and what an amazing experience you guys gave me and memories I will treasure forever
Heartbroken customer
All stock will be reduced by 30 per cent and customers will need an appointment if they want to visit this weekend.
However, any brides and grooms-to-be with their eye on something will not need to book an appointment from Tuesday, July 2, onwards.
Bosses added: “We will be launching a closing down sale and have estimated this will take around 6-8 weeks to clear our stock, so you will still have us for a few months yet.
“We will have ALL BRIDAL GOWNS on sale, bridesmaid gowns, flower girls, shoes, bridal accessories, jewellery, tiaras, mother of the bride outfits and much more.
“Please bear with us over the coming days while we start to prepare the sale which we hope will launch instore this Saturday 29th June.
‘DON’T PANIC’
BOSSES at That Special Day Bridal have confirmed that all orders placed will be going ahead as planned.
Posting online, staff wrote: “To customers with current orders… Firstly, there is no need to panic.
“Mostly all orders are now in store, and you should have been contacted by now to say so and to arrange to collect your order.
“There are a few customers we have been unable to reach or who haven’t got back to us.
“If you haven’t already arranged a collection date just give us a wee message to do so.
“We have approx. 15 orders due in store over the next 3 weeks.
“Most of them should be instore by Friday of this week.
“We remain completely committed in completing all orders for our brides so please do not stress if you order isn’t in store yet as it will be here very soon.”
“If you already have an appointment don’t worry this will still go ahead. All stock will be reduced by 30 per cent so if you had your eye on one of our gowns now is your chance to get it with an amazing discount.
“The closing down sale will be a walk-in event but this Saturday & Sunday ONLY we will be appointment-based. Then from Tuesday 2nd July until the end of the closing sale, we will be walk-in so no appointment necessary.
“As you will appreciate we will be inundated over the coming days, please bear with us and have a little more than usual patience while we plan and organise the closure whilst managing current orders.
“Also, this is a very stressful and upsetting time for our staff who have had to be told the sad news that they will be losing their job.
“If you are calling us please bear this in mind and treat the staff with respect and understanding.
“Thanks again from the bottom of my heart for allowing me to have the last 10 years running TSD. Lots of love always”.
Users quickly flocked to the comments of the post after being left gutted by the news.
One person said: “Aww so sorry to hear this. What an amazing shop and amazing team. As a plus size bride looking for dresses was very daunting and always thought I wouldn’t get that dream dress cause of sizing or get that yes to the dress feeling as I would have to go online.
“But I found you guys at TDS and what an amazing experience you guys gave me memories I will treasure forever. I wish you all the best for the future and I’m sure the decision wasn’t taken lightly.”
Another added: “The most amazing bridal store! I got my wedding dress in March and was blown away by the helpfulness of the staff! Best of luck to all in the future”.
Someone else wrote: “My daughter got her beautiful prom dress from That Special Day Bridal Warehouse. Everyone was so lovely and helpful. Will be a huge loss I’m sure. You have to do what is best for you. Wishing you all the best”.
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And a fourth posted: “So sad to hear that you guys are closing – thank you for helping us choose our dresses for my big day and for all your kindness and guidance, was a pleasure to have been a customer and to have met you all, best of luck for the future”.
While a fifth chimed in: “Sorry to hear this! You made me feel so comfortable and special when I was dress shopping, and you helped me find my dream dress! Thank you so much, and good luck in the future”.