But for the staff at the Priscilla of Boston warehouse, yesterday’s sample sale was a bittersweet occassion: The company, now owned by David’s Bridal, will close its warehouse and 19 stores nationwide on Dec. 31.
“We’re one of America’s oldest sellers of bridal couture, and we’re also almost like a big family,” said Michael Kelly, vice president and general manager of Priscilla of Boston. “It’s difficult to see all that go away.”
The company, established in 1945, was known for its posh pedigree, outfitting the daughters of Presidents Lyndon B. Johnson and Richard Nixon for their nuptials.
But the recent economic downturn brought the bridal salon to its knees, Kelly said. Nowadays, brides are looking to lower-brand companies for their bridalwear.
“It’s a pretty discriminating customer we service, and fewer and feewer women are looking for couture,” Kelly said.
Terri McGonigal, 60, of Everett, has worked at the shop since she was 16 years old. Her mother and sister were employees here, too.
“It’s almost like home,” she said. “I’ve stayed here all hours of the night. I practically live here. I’ve probably spent more time here than in my own house.”
She is sad to see the place go, she said. Working with happy brides every day has given her much joy and kept her young. But she’s also a little glad they could finally stop worrying about the possibility of the end.
“It’s been coming for a while. For a long time, we were wondering, is the business OK? Is it not OK?” she said. “Now we know: It’s not OK.”
But McGonigal said she will not let that get her down. There is too much to get done.
Things were moving slowly. Outside, Peridine Takor, 24, of Brockton, stood outside with her mother and aunt.
“I’m not trying to kill anyone, but I’m really prepared,” Takor said. “I’ll do whatever to get that dress.”
For her aunt, this whole thing is kind of bewildering. Takor’s family is from Cameroon in West Africa. There, her aunt, Seyah Ako-Ebot, said, they don’t have gigantic door-buster bridal sales.
