For all those gown shopping - Deplorable Situation
From Bridal Bargains site
As many of you know, Discount Bridal Service has closed and will file for bankruptcy shortly. Their Baltimore retail shop, Martin’s has closed as has the company’s tuxedo stores, which went under the name A Perfect Fit.
As authors of the book BRIDAL BARGAINS and the only consumer advocates for brides, we have been reporting on this situation and are attempting to help brides who have been caught in this mess.
Gowns held hostage: we need your help!
Our focus here at BRIDAL BARGAINS has now shifted to try to get dresses held hostage in this bankruptcy to brides. A bit of background: in most cases, Discount Bridal Service/Martins ordered the gowns directly from bridal designers and manufacturers. Since the company experienced financial problems, however, most of these gowns (for weddings in the next few months) were NOT shipped to DBS but are now hanging in a
manufacturer’s warehouse.
We have put out a call to all bridal manufacturers to release these gowns directly to brides at the gown’s WHOLESALE price plus shipping.
Why wholesale? Because that’s the amount DBS/Martins would have paid the manufacturers for the goods had they continued in business. And many brides have paid for their goods with a check and are out that money—asking them to pay full retail or a surcharge is like a shop selling bags of ice for $50 after a hurricane.
So, how’s that effort going? Well, we have good news and bad news.
First, the good: several bridal manufacturers have stepped up to the plate and offered to release bride’s dresses at wholesale cost plus
shipping. We have detailed this in a list on our web page with contact phone numbers and email:
http://www.windsorpeak.com/bridalbargains/dbs5.html
In some cases, manufactures are working with brides directly; other cases, they are dealing with the DBS dealers.
Now the bad news: sadly, as with any tragedy, some folks have decided
to take advantage of brides in this time of crisis. We have noted on the same page (linked above) the manufacturers that are either refusing to release dresses or demanding a surcharge, sometimes hundreds of dollars. Adding insult to injury, some bridal retailers have lobbied manufacturers to NOT help brides directly . . . they would prefer
brides be forced to replace the order at full price in their retail shops. Some retailers have posted to message boards that the brides
“deserve” this treatment for ordering from DBS in the first place. Of course, we have some brides who are only days/weeks away from their weddings and time is of the essence . . . and involving another middleman
who wants their cut adds insult to injury.
Here’s where we need help from brides (Knotties, we need you): please review this list on our web page:
http://www.windsorpeak.com/bridalbargains/dbs5.html
We have noted in RED the bridal designers and manufacturers that are refusing to help brides. Please: call them, email them and ask them to help. Implore them to release these captive dresses to brides without any surcharges. And keep this list in mind if you are dress shopping: note there are some companies that care about brides and others
that don’t. (We are updating that web page frequently, so check back for the latest).
Bridal Bargains: News/Updates
List of bridal designers and manufactures (and whether they are helping with this crisis)
This was list was compiled from sources at DBS, reports from dealers and our own research. We note in RED/BOLDwhen a company is not being helpful. This info will be updated, so check back for the latest.
UPDATED: July 13, 4 pm.
Alexia Designs - 866-425-3942 - talk with Monica or Sandy. Must pay money order or certified check before they are shipped, but they will get shipped directly to dealer. Very helpful.
Alfred Angelo. Only willing to work directly with brides (not DBS dealers). 1-800-528-3589. Laurie or Angie.
Allure. Brides must call them directly. 901-385-1400. Contact: Chrsity. Brides must fax over receipt. No dealer calls. Hitting brides with a surcharge.
Alvina Valenta. 212-354-6798. Refusing to help.
Anjolique. 320-796-4420. Contact: Seth.
Bari Jay 212-391-1555 Susan. Dealer reports: 'Bari Jay was helpful. They will only ship to the DBS rep. You can send the information to them via email at [email protected]. Susan helped me. She took my credit card number and is sending the dresses to me.'
BILL LEVKOFF. Very helpful. Contact: Hallie, 914-220-5262. [email protected] $20 surcharge per order.
Bonny, Call Christie or Katherine. 800-528-0030. 714-961-8884. NOT helpful; forcing brides to go to local retailer and pay full retail.
Bridal Originals. 618-345-4499. Contact: Pat. No word yet on how they are responding.
Casablanca 714-758-8888. Will not work with dealers or brides until DBS officially files for bankruptcy.
Davinci a division of Emme. 1-888-745-7560
Demetrios will work with money order for wholesale cost if the brides have their P.O. number, no dealer calls.(212) 967-5222. Contact: Suzi or Joanne.
Dessy. Very helpful. Selling gowns directly to dealers. 800-444-8304. Ginger. x152. Now refusing to Late update July 13: Now adding a 20% surcharge.
Eden. 800-282-8831.Waiting until the official bankruptcy filing. Contact: Sarah or Debra x127. Sarah is compling info on each order; hopefullly will help.
Edward Berger 212-594-0662. Helpful
Emme (DaVinci), 888-745-7560, speak with Wendy
Essense of Australia 1-800-941-1550 (Jackie). First reports indicated they were willing to work with brides. But on July 13, this policy was reveresed---now brides are being forced to go to a retailer and pay full-price for goods again.
Forever Yours. Dealer reports: 'Forever Yours is now talking to us. We need to pay by credit card for cost plus shipping, and they will release the dresses. 631-951-4500
Ginnis. 800-216-3578. DBS account number: MD21MB. Dealer had trouble with Ginnis even finding an order.
Impression. 832-947-2000. Dealer reports: Again, waiting for 'official' word and won't do anything. Also said my PO don't match any of theirs. I have talked with Impression and they will work with you - if you keep asking for the supervisor. Also, you can give them Martins account number---2986646-- and they are much more willing to work with you.' Annother dealer report: 'The cost of the dress was supposed to be $85.00. Hazel, at Impression Bridal, said that I can get the dress for the girl, with a money order, for $165.00. They will not sell it for WHOLESALE.' Taking advantage of brides by doubling price of goods.
Jacquelin. Dealer reports: I spoke to KIM, (239) 277-7099 & faxed her copies of the invoice. Kim Sealander, 800/732-8077 x2126 Fax 239 277-9863. Wonderful lady to deal with. Appears to be helping.
Jasmine/Belsoie. 800-634-0224, Mary Lawson. Not willing to help.
Jim Heljm/Occasions. 212-764-6960. Not willing to help.
Jordan. Very helpful 212-921-5560. (866) 921-5560 Contact: Gina or Claire. everything needs to be faxed.
Maggie Sottero. 801-975-8138. Not willing to help.
Marisa. 212-944-0022. Contact: Ron/ Dealer reports: 'I tried to get a gown from Marisa Bridals today. They would sell the dress for $975.00 instead of the cost of $650.00. Their argument is that DBS owes them so much money they are trying to recoup their losses from the bride. I think this is despicable.' Updated: 7-13; now discounting off the retail price somewhat. Still asking for a premium over what DBS charged. One bride paid DBS $1085 for a dress with a wholesale price of $750. Marisa now asking $1125 to release dress. Charging a 50% surcharge.
Mon Cheri (609) 530-1900 Contact: Barbara. Owner: Steve Lang. Having dealer or bride fax original invoice as proof order. Sending orders out COD to bride. Forcing brides to repay at DBS price again, not wholesale price (this is a 20% to 30% surcharge over what DBS would have paid Mon Cheri).
Moonlight. 800-447-0405; 847-884-7199. Not willing to help.
Mori Lee: (877) 946-6674. Fax (561) 988-0555. Maria. Update July 13. Bride reports: Mori Lee is now agreeing to release ordered gowns to brides at wholesale plus shipping.
Paloma Blanca. 416-235-0585 (based in Canada). Not willing to help.
Pronovias (aka W1 or La Sposa, St. Patrick). 516-872-5710. Had an account with DBS under the name 'Bridal Connection.' Contact: Kate or Emily. Refusing to help and forcing brides to go to retail dealer to pay full price again.
PC Mary at 281-933-9678. Reports a dealer: The Rep. was very understanding. I had to pay for the bridesmaids dresses before they would ship but at least I got the dresses.
Private Label by G - 800-858-3338 - speak with Christie - very helpful, will confirm if gowns are there and they will ship directly to you - will charge additional $100 per wedding gown for handling plus shipping. Bride report: sent her ordered dress at WHOLESALE dress. Very helpful but be mindful of surchage. $100 surchage per gown.
Raylia. Dealer report: 'I spoke with someone from Raylia and as of this morning they were willing to allow us to pay for the dresses and will ship them out to the customer. I spoke with Jessica. She was very helpful. Raylia's number is 801-238-8454.'
Symphony. 800-992-8345. Contact: Linda.
US Angels. 213-624-4477. Contact: Katie. This flower girl maker has many orders for DBS that are being held.
Venus Bridal (800) 648-3687 Contact: Lisa. Charging at wholesale price plus shipping. Very helpful.
Watters (972) 991-6994. Also known as W2: willing to ship dress to local retailer only.
______________
MEDIA ADVISORY: Denise & Alan Fields (consumer advocates and authors of BRIDAL BARGAINS) will be available for interviews by satellite in Denver, CO or by phone 303-442-8792 to help get the word out.
Alan & Denise Fields
Authors, BRIDAL BARGAINS & BRIDAL PASSPORT
303-442-8792
[email protected]
As many of you know, Discount Bridal Service has closed and will file for bankruptcy shortly. Their Baltimore retail shop, Martin’s has closed as has the company’s tuxedo stores, which went under the name A Perfect Fit.
As authors of the book BRIDAL BARGAINS and the only consumer advocates for brides, we have been reporting on this situation and are attempting to help brides who have been caught in this mess.
Gowns held hostage: we need your help!
Our focus here at BRIDAL BARGAINS has now shifted to try to get dresses held hostage in this bankruptcy to brides. A bit of background: in most cases, Discount Bridal Service/Martins ordered the gowns directly from bridal designers and manufacturers. Since the company experienced financial problems, however, most of these gowns (for weddings in the next few months) were NOT shipped to DBS but are now hanging in a
manufacturer’s warehouse.
We have put out a call to all bridal manufacturers to release these gowns directly to brides at the gown’s WHOLESALE price plus shipping.
Why wholesale? Because that’s the amount DBS/Martins would have paid the manufacturers for the goods had they continued in business. And many brides have paid for their goods with a check and are out that money—asking them to pay full retail or a surcharge is like a shop selling bags of ice for $50 after a hurricane.
So, how’s that effort going? Well, we have good news and bad news.
First, the good: several bridal manufacturers have stepped up to the plate and offered to release bride’s dresses at wholesale cost plus
shipping. We have detailed this in a list on our web page with contact phone numbers and email:
http://www.windsorpeak.com/bridalbargains/dbs5.html
In some cases, manufactures are working with brides directly; other cases, they are dealing with the DBS dealers.
Now the bad news: sadly, as with any tragedy, some folks have decided
to take advantage of brides in this time of crisis. We have noted on the same page (linked above) the manufacturers that are either refusing to release dresses or demanding a surcharge, sometimes hundreds of dollars. Adding insult to injury, some bridal retailers have lobbied manufacturers to NOT help brides directly . . . they would prefer
brides be forced to replace the order at full price in their retail shops. Some retailers have posted to message boards that the brides
“deserve” this treatment for ordering from DBS in the first place. Of course, we have some brides who are only days/weeks away from their weddings and time is of the essence . . . and involving another middleman
who wants their cut adds insult to injury.
Here’s where we need help from brides (Knotties, we need you): please review this list on our web page:
http://www.windsorpeak.com/bridalbargains/dbs5.html
We have noted in RED the bridal designers and manufacturers that are refusing to help brides. Please: call them, email them and ask them to help. Implore them to release these captive dresses to brides without any surcharges. And keep this list in mind if you are dress shopping: note there are some companies that care about brides and others
that don’t. (We are updating that web page frequently, so check back for the latest).
Bridal Bargains: News/Updates
List of bridal designers and manufactures (and whether they are helping with this crisis)
This was list was compiled from sources at DBS, reports from dealers and our own research. We note in RED/BOLDwhen a company is not being helpful. This info will be updated, so check back for the latest.
UPDATED: July 13, 4 pm.
Alexia Designs - 866-425-3942 - talk with Monica or Sandy. Must pay money order or certified check before they are shipped, but they will get shipped directly to dealer. Very helpful.
Alfred Angelo. Only willing to work directly with brides (not DBS dealers). 1-800-528-3589. Laurie or Angie.
Allure. Brides must call them directly. 901-385-1400. Contact: Chrsity. Brides must fax over receipt. No dealer calls. Hitting brides with a surcharge.
Alvina Valenta. 212-354-6798. Refusing to help.
Anjolique. 320-796-4420. Contact: Seth.
Bari Jay 212-391-1555 Susan. Dealer reports: 'Bari Jay was helpful. They will only ship to the DBS rep. You can send the information to them via email at [email protected]. Susan helped me. She took my credit card number and is sending the dresses to me.'
BILL LEVKOFF. Very helpful. Contact: Hallie, 914-220-5262. [email protected] $20 surcharge per order.
Bonny, Call Christie or Katherine. 800-528-0030. 714-961-8884. NOT helpful; forcing brides to go to local retailer and pay full retail.
Bridal Originals. 618-345-4499. Contact: Pat. No word yet on how they are responding.
Casablanca 714-758-8888. Will not work with dealers or brides until DBS officially files for bankruptcy.
Davinci a division of Emme. 1-888-745-7560
Demetrios will work with money order for wholesale cost if the brides have their P.O. number, no dealer calls.(212) 967-5222. Contact: Suzi or Joanne.
Dessy. Very helpful. Selling gowns directly to dealers. 800-444-8304. Ginger. x152. Now refusing to Late update July 13: Now adding a 20% surcharge.
Eden. 800-282-8831.Waiting until the official bankruptcy filing. Contact: Sarah or Debra x127. Sarah is compling info on each order; hopefullly will help.
Edward Berger 212-594-0662. Helpful
Emme (DaVinci), 888-745-7560, speak with Wendy
Essense of Australia 1-800-941-1550 (Jackie). First reports indicated they were willing to work with brides. But on July 13, this policy was reveresed---now brides are being forced to go to a retailer and pay full-price for goods again.
Forever Yours. Dealer reports: 'Forever Yours is now talking to us. We need to pay by credit card for cost plus shipping, and they will release the dresses. 631-951-4500
Ginnis. 800-216-3578. DBS account number: MD21MB. Dealer had trouble with Ginnis even finding an order.
Impression. 832-947-2000. Dealer reports: Again, waiting for 'official' word and won't do anything. Also said my PO don't match any of theirs. I have talked with Impression and they will work with you - if you keep asking for the supervisor. Also, you can give them Martins account number---2986646-- and they are much more willing to work with you.' Annother dealer report: 'The cost of the dress was supposed to be $85.00. Hazel, at Impression Bridal, said that I can get the dress for the girl, with a money order, for $165.00. They will not sell it for WHOLESALE.' Taking advantage of brides by doubling price of goods.
Jacquelin. Dealer reports: I spoke to KIM, (239) 277-7099 & faxed her copies of the invoice. Kim Sealander, 800/732-8077 x2126 Fax 239 277-9863. Wonderful lady to deal with. Appears to be helping.
Jasmine/Belsoie. 800-634-0224, Mary Lawson. Not willing to help.
Jim Heljm/Occasions. 212-764-6960. Not willing to help.
Jordan. Very helpful 212-921-5560. (866) 921-5560 Contact: Gina or Claire. everything needs to be faxed.
Maggie Sottero. 801-975-8138. Not willing to help.
Marisa. 212-944-0022. Contact: Ron/ Dealer reports: 'I tried to get a gown from Marisa Bridals today. They would sell the dress for $975.00 instead of the cost of $650.00. Their argument is that DBS owes them so much money they are trying to recoup their losses from the bride. I think this is despicable.' Updated: 7-13; now discounting off the retail price somewhat. Still asking for a premium over what DBS charged. One bride paid DBS $1085 for a dress with a wholesale price of $750. Marisa now asking $1125 to release dress. Charging a 50% surcharge.
Mon Cheri (609) 530-1900 Contact: Barbara. Owner: Steve Lang. Having dealer or bride fax original invoice as proof order. Sending orders out COD to bride. Forcing brides to repay at DBS price again, not wholesale price (this is a 20% to 30% surcharge over what DBS would have paid Mon Cheri).
Moonlight. 800-447-0405; 847-884-7199. Not willing to help.
Mori Lee: (877) 946-6674. Fax (561) 988-0555. Maria. Update July 13. Bride reports: Mori Lee is now agreeing to release ordered gowns to brides at wholesale plus shipping.
Paloma Blanca. 416-235-0585 (based in Canada). Not willing to help.
Pronovias (aka W1 or La Sposa, St. Patrick). 516-872-5710. Had an account with DBS under the name 'Bridal Connection.' Contact: Kate or Emily. Refusing to help and forcing brides to go to retail dealer to pay full price again.
PC Mary at 281-933-9678. Reports a dealer: The Rep. was very understanding. I had to pay for the bridesmaids dresses before they would ship but at least I got the dresses.
Private Label by G - 800-858-3338 - speak with Christie - very helpful, will confirm if gowns are there and they will ship directly to you - will charge additional $100 per wedding gown for handling plus shipping. Bride report: sent her ordered dress at WHOLESALE dress. Very helpful but be mindful of surchage. $100 surchage per gown.
Raylia. Dealer report: 'I spoke with someone from Raylia and as of this morning they were willing to allow us to pay for the dresses and will ship them out to the customer. I spoke with Jessica. She was very helpful. Raylia's number is 801-238-8454.'
Symphony. 800-992-8345. Contact: Linda.
US Angels. 213-624-4477. Contact: Katie. This flower girl maker has many orders for DBS that are being held.
Venus Bridal (800) 648-3687 Contact: Lisa. Charging at wholesale price plus shipping. Very helpful.
Watters (972) 991-6994. Also known as W2: willing to ship dress to local retailer only.
______________
MEDIA ADVISORY: Denise & Alan Fields (consumer advocates and authors of BRIDAL BARGAINS) will be available for interviews by satellite in Denver, CO or by phone 303-442-8792 to help get the word out.
Alan & Denise Fields
Authors, BRIDAL BARGAINS & BRIDAL PASSPORT
303-442-8792
[email protected]
