2 weeks Ago
Ipswich’s last bridal shop is gearing up for closure after 12 “brilliant” years. The Suffolk Bridal Company in Orwell Place has announced that it will close by the end of May. The shop, run by friends Kevin Bernhardt and Suzanne Cassidy, has been in Ipswich for more than a decade, but the pair have decided that now is the time to close their doors.
Suzanne, who has been in the business for 35 years, said: “I retire in January and I think life is too short. Suffolk Bridal Company has announced it will close next year (Image: Submitted) “If I don’t retire now, then I will be working until I am 70, and I don’t want to do that.” Kevin, who was previously the owner of Calla’s Floral Designs in Wingfield Street in Ipswich, added: “When things happen, I lost my mum earlier this year and had health issues over the last few years, it makes you re-evaluate your life and what’s important.
“Suzanne is retiring and I am in the position to slow down and enjoy life.” The duo, who have been friends for 21 years, agreed that they wouldn’t want to continue to run the business without each other. The shop has catered for brides for 12 years (Image: Tom Cann) They continued: “It’s a wonderful job, it’s a happy job.
“We’ve had a brilliant 12 years. Thank you to all the brides who have loved coming to us. “It’s been a pleasure and an honour to have been able to be part of their wonderful wedding, in some way.
“We have had loyal staff past and present over the last 12 years who we would also like to thank.” Inside the shop (Image: Tom Cann) The business will be having a sale running until they close to help clear stock, with huge discounts on dresses and accessories. They added: “It would be awful for there to be no bridal shops in Ipswich.
“Obviously we are closing but the business and space is all set up for it to be a bridal shop so if anyone is interested in taking over the Suffolk Bridal Company then please get in touch." To contact, please email the Suffolk Bridal Company here . Kevin and Suzanne will be retiring when the shop closes (Image: Tom Cann).
