OWNERS of a wedding dress shop say it is a “casualty of the pandemic” after announcing it will be closing down.

Bridal Re-Dress, which based in Wakes Colne and Earls Colne, has revealed it has been forced to close its doors after more than a decade of serving brides.

The business was first set up back in 2005 but opened in Wakes Colne about 13 years ago.

The shop specialises in selling wedding dresses, recycling wedding dresses and selling items at discounted prices.

It has also helped charity work in the area, raising £15,767 for a number of charities.

But the business’s owner, Ruth Eyre-Pugh, says the business has seen a lack of sales over the last 14 months.

The wedding industry has been hit hard by the pandemic with many couple postponing or calling off their wedding plans.

Ruth said: “I can predict a real tightening of budgets for any weddings which are arranged in the near future.

“The anxiety of worrying about further flare ups and lockdowns has probably put most couples off the idea of getting married at all.”

Despite hopes of a resurgence following the easing of Covid restrictions, the business didn’t its sales bounce back.

Government grants did help pay off creditors, but Ruth says the footfall necessary for a viable business is just not occurring anymore.

She added the last straw for the business was having to return a business restart grant due to the stock being in storage at the time, and therefore no longer qualifying for a rates attached grant.

Now, as the shop closes, it has been moved to a new address in Earls Colne to see out its last months.

Ruth added: “It has been very enjoyable, the brides have been lovely and there is nothing more pleasing than bringing a genuine smile to a girl’s face when she realises that she has found her dream wedding dress at a price she can afford.

“The best dress I sold was a Diane Harbridge, which was brought to me unworn, which I proceeded to sell three times.

“It came up as good as new every time after dry cleaning, so contributed to the happy days of Caron, Noelle and Penny.”

As the businesses prepares to close, it is inviting any potential customers looking for a bargain wedding dress to visit their website where they still have 46 dresses remaining on sale. For more details of how to make an appointment to view and try them on at temporary premises at Blackwell House, Earls Colne, visit bridalre-dress.com.