Story Published: Feb 25, 2009 at 6:11 PM PDT
Story Updated: Feb 25, 2009 at 6:11 PM PDT
PORTLAND, Ore. - A year ago, KATU News warned brides about the bridal store Tres Fabu after receiving a complaint that a dress needed for a wedding was not being delivered.
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Now, there are new worries for brides getting ready to walk down the aisle who need dresses from the same shop.
In February 2008, KATU News confronted the owner of Tres Fabu bridal shop, Jan Schumacher.
Katie Smith had ordered a gown that was never delivered. Schumacher told KATU News that Smith was “no longer a member” but would not answer any other questions.
Smith did end up getting a refund, but only after the check first bounced.
Now, Tres Fabu in the Westmoreland neighborhood is closing and brides who have paid hefty deposits for their dream dresses are wondering if they will actually receive them.
So will they be out money?
“No, they will not,” said Dale Schumacher, who is the owner's husband.
He says his wife Jan fell gravely ill in June and was hospitalized for five months.
“She's now only able to come in a couple of days a week. And it was her energy that kept this store going,” Dale Schumacher told KATU News.
Schumacher says his wife is contacting dress manufacturers to arrange for the ordered gowns to be shipped to other local stores.
Once arrangements are firm, customers should get letters in the mail.
The good news for brides to be is that all the sample gowns still in stock all must be sold before the business closes, so they're discounted 50 percent.
There are about 1,000 dresses available, but just how many days the store will stay open remains a question.
A handwritten sign on the door of Tres Fabu showed the store would be open from Feb. 23 on but did not specify a closing date.
February is the prime time of year for wedding planning and there are some tips when it comes to finding a dress:
- Check CitySearch, the Better Business Bureau and the state Attorney General’s office for any shop complaints.
- Shop around. The same dress can often be found at more than one store, despite what a salesperson may tell you.
- When you give your wedding date, fib a little. Give a date at least a month earlier to give yourself some wiggle room in case there is a problem.
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