JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Alfred Angelo bridal stores abruptly closed their doors for the last time Thursday night, leaving brides around the country -- including in Jacksonville -- in limbo, according to multiple national media reports.
The national bridal chain has been around for more than 8 decades and has 60 locations nationwide.
In Jacksonville, the Alfred Angelo store on Atlantic Boulevard near Regency permanently closed at 6 p.m. Thursday, an employee said.
She said employees were told of the closure Thursday morning.
News4Jax spoke with customers outside the store, several of whom said they are upset and wondering what to do.
"What do we do? She paid in full," said Maggie, a maid of honor. "She has no dress and her order has been canceled."
Maggie said her friend now has to start the search for a wedding dress all over again.
"I hope she can get a refund," Maggie said.
Lilly Johnson, the mother of a bride, said her daughter already has her bridal dress, but had paid upfront for alterations at Alfred Angelo Bridal.
"No call. Nothing in writing. No mail. No nothing," Johnson said.
She said the store's closure is now affecting much more than just the bride.
"She has three sons in the Marine Corps and they are, all three married, and she wanted to make sure all were back on the East Coast before she got married," Johnson said. "(But now) we don't know. We don't even know if a wedding will go on."
Johnson said she spoke with an employee who told her how to get in touch with the alteration person who used to work there. Johnson was also told that the dresses belonging to people who made deposits will be shipped out via FedEx when the truck comes Friday -- but only to people who left their addresses with the business.
News4Jax tried to get in touch with Alfred Angelo's corporate office in South Florida, but had yet to hear back as of Thursday night. The company put out an email address to which people can send their concerns.