A VERY popular bridal shop, considered to be the best bridal boutique in Scotland, has unexpectedly announced its closure – leaving its fans devastated.
That Special Day Bridal on Baird Road in Livingston has served thousands of clients since opening ten years ago.
However, officials announced that the store will close its doors permanently in the coming months, although an exact date has not yet been announced.
In a heartbreaking social media post, disappointed employees announced the closure to customers today.
In it, the bosses explained that the store had to be closed for “personal reasons” but thanked everyone for their support.
According to reports, all employees also lost their jobs during this “very stressful and upsetting time”.
The shop owner announced the news on Facebook, saying: “It is with deep sadness that I announce the closure of my shop That Special Day Bridal due to personal reasons.
“However, I am so grateful to every customer who has walked through our doors and given me and my staff the pleasure of being a part of your special day.
TSD was never just a business, it was never just about selling a dress. For me and my employees, it was so much more than that
Bosses at That Special Day Bridal
“The memories, laughter and friendships we have made over the last 10 years will stay with us forever.
“With thousands of clients in our portfolio, we certainly have a lot of great memories to look back on.
“I will never fully get over how far we have taken the business and I will always look back on it with affection and pride.
“TSD was never just a store and it was never just about selling a dress. For me and my staff, it was so much more than that.
“It was about supporting our customers and helping them accept that they are beautiful and that they can wear the most beautiful dress that matches their beauty, regardless of size, gender or even the expectations of others.
“We give them a place where they feel safe and free from prejudice and can be themselves in order to make the right clothing choices for them.
“It was also about being there for our customers, from the minute they enter our store until their special day.
“From day one, our main goal was to provide the ultimate bridal experience. And while the Say Yes mocktails and all the little extras were lovely, it was the memories we created that are so special to all of us.”
Bosses also announced that the store will be holding a major clearance sale starting this Saturday.
As a plus size bride, dress shopping was quite a challenge… But I found you at TDS and you gave me an incredible experience and memories that I will cherish forever.
Inconsolable customer
All inventory will be reduced by 30% and customers will need an appointment if they wish to come by this weekend.
However, for future brides and grooms who have their eyes on a special someone, an appointment will no longer be necessary from Tuesday, July 2nd.
Bosses added: “We will be launching a clearance sale and estimate it will take around six to eight weeks to clear our stock, so we will be with you for a few more months.”
“We will have ALL WEDDING DRESSES, bridesmaid dresses, flower girl dresses, shoes, bridal accessories, jewelry, tiaras, mother of the bride outfits and much more.
“Please be patient over the next few days as we begin preparations for the sale, which we hope to launch in stores this Saturday, June 29th.
‘NO PANIC’
Bosses at That Special Day Bridal have confirmed that all orders placed will be processed as planned.
Employees wrote in an online post: “To customers with current orders… First of all, there is no need to panic.
“Almost all orders are now in store and you should have been contacted by now to let you know and arrange collection of your order.
“There are some customers we have not been able to reach or who have not contacted us.
“If you have not yet arranged a pick-up date, just send us a short message.
“We have about 15 orders that will arrive in the store in the next 3 weeks.
“Most of them should be in the store by Friday of this week.
“We are still fully committed to fulfilling all orders for our brides, so please don’t worry if your order is not in the store yet, it will be here shortly.”
“If you already have an appointment, don’t worry, it will still go ahead. All stock will be reduced by 30 percent, so if you’ve had your eye on one of our dresses, now is your chance to get it at an incredible discount.
“The clearance sale will be a walk-in event, but we require appointments ONLY this Saturday and Sunday. Then from Tuesday, July 2nd until the end of the clearance sale, you can walk in with no appointments required.
“You will understand that we will be overloaded in the coming days. Please be patient and have a little more than usual while we plan and organize the closure while processing the current orders.
“This is also a very stressful and worrying time for our employees who have had to receive the sad news that they will lose their jobs.
“When you call us, please remember this and treat the staff with respect and understanding.
“Thank you again from the bottom of my heart for allowing me to lead TSD over the last 10 years. All the best always.”
After being shocked by the news, users quickly flocked to the comments of the post.
One person said, “Oh I’m so sorry. What an amazing store and team. As a plus size bride, searching for dresses was very daunting and I always thought I wouldn’t find the dress of my dreams because of the size or felt like I was getting the dress because I had to go online.
“But I found you at TDS and what a great experience you gave me, memories I will cherish forever. I wish you all the best for the future and I am sure the decision was not taken lightly.”
Another added: “The most incredible bridal shop! I got my wedding dress in March and was overwhelmed by the helpfulness of the staff! Wishing everyone the best of luck for the future.”
Someone else wrote: “My daughter bought her beautiful prom dress from That Special Day Bridal Warehouse. Everyone was so kind and helpful. I’m sure it will be a huge loss. You have to do what is best for you. I wish you all the best.”
Read more in the Scottish Sun
And a fourth posted: “So sad to hear you are closing. Thank you for helping us choose our dresses for my big day and for all your kindness and advice. It has been a pleasure to have been a customer and to get to know you all. Good luck for the future.”
And a fifth chimed in: “I’m sorry to hear that! You made me feel so comfortable and special when shopping for my dress and you helped me find my dream dress! Thank you and good luck for the future.”