David’s Bridal, a store which focuses on formal wear for bridal events and proms, is struggling mightily. In the midst of continuing financial difficulties, one of the largest bridal store chains in the country is reportedly contemplating thousands of layoffs.
This isn’t the first time that the chain has had problems. David’s Bridal filed for bankruptcy in 2018, emerging a year later with new ownership. 2020’s COVID-19 pandemic severely hurt a number of businesses, including pretty much everything to do with weddings.
Even with life returning to a relative normal, it has not been a “nice day to start again” for David’s Bridal as their financial woes have continued. The chain is now facing another bankruptcy, and is actively seeking a buyer. They are planning to cut over 9,000 jobs starting in April, continuing into August 2023, according to a notice the company posted. The company reportedly employs over 11,000 workers. If these figures are accurate, they’d be laying off roughly 80% of their workforce.
The company was hoping for a strong rebound after the pandemic, as couples would try to make up for lost time with a boom in wedding ceremonies. Given the economy, the prohibitively high cost of weddings (and wedding attire) didn’t result in this boom happening. Even with new owners, David’s Bridal was left in no better a position than it was before COVID-19 when it was already struggling.
Our hopes go out to the employees impacted by the upcoming layoffs. We also hope those whose weddings may be impacted are able to make things work for their a special day. Though we can’t put words in Billy Idol’s mouth, we’d like to think he’d be hopeful for everyone too.
