David’s Bridal filed for bankruptcy. What this means for brides and their dresses

As David’s Bridal takes another walk down the bankruptcy aisle, and with store closings possible, what does it all mean for Charlotte-area brides?

There are two David’s Bridal stores in Mecklenburg County — one at Northcrest Shopping Center, 9717 Northlake Centre Parkway, in Charlotte and the other at The Centrum Shopping Center, 10420-D Centrum Parkway in Pineville.

The company sells bridal gowns ranging in price from $199 to over $2,000, according to bankruptcy court documents. It’s also known for prom gowns and other formal wear.

Over the past five years, Charlotte-area bridal parties found themselves without wedding gowns and bridesmaid dresses — and no refunds — when other bridal shops suddenly closed.

The local David’s Bridal stores referred questions to the corporate office on Tuesday.

Customers should not expect to see any change in service, David’s Bridal spokeswoman Laura McKeever told The Charlotte Observer. “We expect dresses will arrive on time and bridal appointments will not be impacted,” she said late Tuesday.

Here’s what else to know about David’s Bridal bankruptcy and its impact on customers:

What’s going on with the David’s Bridal bankruptcy?

On Monday, David’s Bridal filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of New Jersey with $257 million debt. It’s the second time the Pennsylvania-based women’s formal apparel retailer has filed for bankruptcy protection in five years.

In court filings, David’s Bridal CEO James Marcum cited the lingering effects of COVID shutdowns, along with factors like changing consumer behavior including less formal weddings and falling marriage rate, plus record high inflation, as strains on the wedding industry and the company.

If David’s Bridal doesn’t find a buyer, it “will turn to an orderly liquidation” of its assets, which includes store closings, according to court documents.

The 73-year-old company is the largest U.S. bridal store chain, with 294 stores in the U.S., Canada and the United Kingdom. David’s Bridal also has eight franchise stores in Mexico. There are 10 stores in North Carolina and five in South Carolina, including Columbia, Spartanburg and Greenville.

Will there be layoffs at the stores?

David’s Bridal has about 10,000 employees companywide, with approximately 2,000 full-time and 8,000 part-time, court documents show.

The company plans to lay off most of them — 9,236 employees, national news outlets reported last week. More than half are stylists, alterations specialists and customer service representatives — in three phases, a Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act (WARN) filed Monday with the North Carolina Department of Commerce.

The layoffs start this month through August.

“At this time, it is uncertain whether the company will be ceasing operations entirely or the closure will be limited to certain locations,” Andrea Dauphine, senior vice president of human resources for David’s Bridal, said in the WARN report. Store layoffs would be effective Aug. 11.

The report does not include the total number of jobs affected in North Carolina. It instead listed the number of employees and types of positions companywide.

The WARN Act Notices are conditional. David’s Bridal is in the process of evaluating its strategic options, including a sale or potential wind-down of some or all of the business, according to court documents.

What does David’s Bridal’s restructuring mean for customers?

According to David Bridal’s “Bride FAQ” on its website: “While we are exploring a sale of our company in a transparent, court-supervised process, our stores are open, and we intend to fulfill orders without disruption or delay.”

David’s Bridal provides a number to call for restructuring questions. However, a message says: “Announcement: No one is available to take your call. Thank you. Goodbye.”

Are David’s Bridal stores open?

David’s Bridal stores are operating as usual to fulfill all customer orders, Marcum said in court filings.

Following the 2018 bankruptcy, David’s Bridal remodeled and modernized its stores, and expanded online sales initiatives. Orders also are accepted online.

Will I get my dress on time?

Delivering every order on time remains David’s Bridal focus, according to the company’s restructuring website.

Is wedding planning still available?

David’s Bridal online planning platform and vendor marketplace Pearl is available, according to a company news release.

What about loyalty programs, gift cards and returns?

David’s Bridal loyalty program Diamond members can continue to earn and redeem rewards, like a free honeymoon.

The company also continues to accept gift cards, returns and exchanges.

Need help with an order?

David’s Bridal said on the Charlotte store’s Facebook page: “We intend to fulfill all orders without disruption. Please feel free to send us an email to dbcares@dbi.com so we can assist.”

Questions about an existing order or the status of alterations, are available by texting HELLO to 38201, emailing customercare@dbi.com or calling 844-400-3222.

How can I find bankruptcy news and other updates?

Information about David’s Bridal Chapter 11 process is available at https://omniagentsolutions.com/DavidsBridal.