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 5/10 Good --- www.charlotte.com http://www.charlotte.com/122/index.rss
| News, sports and entertainment from Charlotte.com ... |
Thursday, May 15, 2008 --- 70 days ago http://www.charlotteobserver.com/business/story/624617.html
| Syble Latta and her bridal boutique, Poffie Girls, have lasted through four recessions. Each time, she said, sales suffered at her Gastonia shop as brides opted for cheaper dresses. Sales also plummeted after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. Brides who in the past may have paid $1,200 for a wedding gown opted for dresses that cost an average of $750. Now, as the economy flirts with a recession, sales are the strongest Latta's seen during the boutique's 35-year history. They're up 25 percent over this same time last year. "I don't know why," she said. Brides are spending an average $1,500 to $3,000 per dress, such as the three Enzoani designer gowns Latta sold Saturday. "I'm not seeing that people are worried about the economy like I have through some of the other recessions," she said, noting shoppers appreciate the rich silk, craftsmanship and superior fit of the couture frocks. There is one area where brides are being more budget conscious, Latta said: Picking out bridesmaid dresses, usually paid for by the bride's friends. "There's so many people in different situations," Latta said. "Some people are pregnant, or are getting married themselves. The brides seem to be a little more considerate." All is not bliss for the boutique off New Hope Road, however. Shipping costs are "out of sight" for the store, up probably 20 percent, Latta said. Wedding gowns can be heavy -- some weighing in at more than 15 pounds -- and the store has h ... |
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