Bridal shop closure leaves customers frustrated

A lot of brides are on edge — after one of Hamilton’s oldest bridal shops announced that it will be closing its doors.

“Rainbow Bridal” in Hamilton’s downtown has been in business for nearly 90 years. But Monday, a couple of signs were posted on the front door. And now some brides are very concerned that their wedding dresses and deposits are lost.

Brides-to-be were in for quite a shock this morning when they learned one of Hamilton’s oldest bridal shops has closed down. Now they are left with several questions and more importantly without a wedding dress.

With three months left until her wedding — Holly Jessop is a stressed-out-bride, but with news that Rainbow Bridal is closing its doors after 87 years of service, she is now searching for answers.

Holly Jessop: “Honestly, now I don’t even know where to begin.”

Jessop, like many brides this morning, woke up to this statement released by Rainbow Bridal on their official Facebook page:

“While Rainbow’s outstanding business matters will be resolved by officers appointed by the court, every effort will be made to ensure our loyal clientele receive the best possible service within the circumstances, are dealt with meaningfully, and are equipped with information concerning their existing orders which may permit them to deal directly with manufacturers or other retailers.”

After several calls to Rainbow Bridal went unanswered, Jessop decided to visit the store in person — but was surprised to see the store closed.

An employee from the building’s owner — Redbrick Rentals — posted notices on the shop’s front window.

Holly Jessop: “So I called the number that they left, the Redbrick Rentals management company I guess who owns the building. Called them and tried to get some answers. I went there and they didn’t give me much.”

Jessop recently visited Rainbow Bridal for a fitting just last week.

The bride-to-be says she doesn’t know what she’ll do if she can’t get her dress in time for the wedding.

Holly Jessop: “I could probably take the loss of the hundred and 50 that I paid and go somewhere else and order a veil in time. As for my dress, which is paid in full, it’s almost a little scarier because my dress is paid for and I don’t even know if I’m going to get it.”

Jessop says this is last thing she thought she’d have to worry about: “At this point, I’m left with just stress, not knowing what to do and hoping that it all works out in the next few months.”

There is still some hope that the doors at Rainbow Bridal will reopen. It will largely depend on whether the owner can pay their outstanding rent.

We learned this afternoon customers with gowns at the Rainbow Bridal can pick them up by appointment over the next two weekends.

Customers are asked to email the store and book an appointment at rainbowpickup@gmail.com. Customers can collect their gowns and pay their outstanding balances by cash only.