Alfred Angelo competitors stepping up to help panicked brides

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — After hearing that brides were panic-stricken across the country, competitors to Alfred Angelo have stepped in to help those who were left empty-handed.

Action News Jax reported last week that the wedding gown retailer filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy Friday, forcing the closure of all its stores and wholesalers and leaving employees without jobs.

A handwritten note left on the door of the Jacksonville store reads: “Based on what some us have found out, any dress in their possession is being shipped to the address on file. Prayers to all the brides!”

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Jacksonville wedding planner Terri Gilbreath, who owns GG Events, had to break the news of the store’s closure to one of her brides.

“Five of her eight bridesmaids were affected by this so we actually had to basically start over again Saturday,” Gilbreath said. “We're still waiting just to hear if anybody is going to actually be able to get money back.”

Two of the bridesmaids were able to get refunds, one from her credit card company and the other because she made the deposit online.

“Other than that, we still have those other girls that are affected by this and they're actually having to pay twice now for a dress,” Gilbreath said.

In 2013, the CEO of Alfred Angelo, Paul Quentel, appeared on the reality TV show Undercover Boss gifting a dress and money to a once-homeless employee.

According to Action News Jax law & safety expert Dale Carson, Chapter 7 bankruptcy means the company feels it can’t be saved.

“That is when you really can't reorganize; you don't have the assets or the monies to reorganize and pay everybody back a minor percentage of what they're owed,” Carson said.

According to reports, the attorney handling the bankruptcy said she’s received more than 7,000 emails from brides.

“The attorney is trying to actually get keys to the building, working with former employees on trying to at least open up the store so girls can get their dresses,” Gilbreath said.

The good news is that other bridal stores are stepping up to help brides who were left without gowns.

“One Fine Day, which is one of our local bridal stores, offered 10 percent off new orders, offering 50 percent off sample gowns. They were offering a veil up to $150 for free,” Gilbreath said.

Gilbreath said David’s Bridal is also offering a 30 percent discount for wedding gowns and a 20 percent discount for bridesmaids’ dresses if you show your original Alfred Angelo receipt.

Milano Formals said it's donating 100 bridal dress to customers that were affected by the closings. To qualify for the free dress, email a copy of your Alfred Angelo receipt along with your measurements to support@milanoformals.com.

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According to Gilbreath, the closure rocked the wedding industry because Alfred Angelo is one of the longest running dress retailers.

"We knew a couple years ago that they were going through some changes and that happens," Gilbreath said.
"They had the Disney line, I mean, Disney was a huge sponsor for them. It came out of left field for us."

If you've been affected by the closure, you're asked to contact Stearns Weaver Miller law office at predmond@stearnsweaver.com.

Cox Media Group