Customers of a Perth bridal shop are desperate to find another wedding dress and have lost thousands of dollars in deposits after the owner announced the store’s sudden closure.
The owner of NOA Bridal in North Perth announced to her brides on Tuesday that she would “no longer be able to meet her delivery obligations” for their wedding dresses.
Elizabeth Lyndon James sent an email to clients saying she was “overwhelmed” with debt and would be filing for bankruptcy.
“If there is anything left to offer, I will offer it,” she wrote.
“I have struggled hard to keep the store running and serving the brides who have trusted us, and have taken on a significant amount of personal and corporate debt.
“But now I have reached a point where there are no more options or resources available.”
The Fitzgerald Street store has closed its website and social media accounts and announced its “permanent closure” online.
I have dealt with a number of ladies who are extremely upset about not getting their dresses.
“I understand that words cannot make up for this or alleviate the disappointment, betrayal and inconvenience I have caused you. I am deeply sorry for failing to keep these promises and will carry that burden forever,” Ms. Lyndon James wrote.
Dozens of couples are believed to have lost money because of the move, with some claiming to have lost up to $8,000 in deposits.
Andrew Bell of the Insolvency Advice Centre, who confirmed the company had filed for bankruptcy, said he had been receiving calls from upset brides.
“I’ve dealt with a number of ladies who are very sad that they won’t get their dresses,” he told The West Australian.
But Mr Bell warned it could take “six to 12 months” to determine whether they could recover any of their money.
NOA Bridal, which launched in Margaret River in 2021, announced it plans to “change the Western Australian wedding market” and be “the best friend who will be there from the moment you say yes to the dress, until the day you say yes.”
“We’re not here to provide the same dresses you’ll see in any other Perth store. Our brides are like no other,” the company announced in an online ad.
