David’s Bridal Files For Bankruptcy: What Does It Mean For MI Brides?

MICHIGAN — David’s Bridal announced Monday that it has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, but stores in Michigan will remain open and brides who ordered dresses won’t have to scramble to find another gown.

The news comes after the company announced Friday that it was laying off just over 9,000 workers.

The store operates eight locations in Illinois, including:

• Genesee Valley Shopping Center, 4340 B Miller Rd., Flint
• Centerpointe Mall, 3585 28th St. SE, Grand Rapids
• Southland Center, 200 Mall Dr., Portage
• 4940 Marsh Rd., Okemos
• 32127 John R. Rd., Madison Heights
• West Oaks Shopping Center, 43831 West Oaks Dr., Novi
• West Valley Shopping Center, Saginaw
• 23520 Eureka Rd., Taylor

The Conshohocken, Pennsylvania-based company said Monday it had filed voluntary petitions for bankruptcy in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of New Jersey and will seek similar protection in Canada and the United Kingdom.

In a news release, David’s Bridal said both brick-and-mortar stores and online sales, including through its Pearl platform and vendor marketplace, will remain accessible to brides for their wedding planning needs.

Members of Diamond, the company’s loyalty program, can continue to earn and redeem points. Also, the company said it intends to honor gift cards, returns, and exchanges.

The petition includes the usual “first-day” relief, including authorization from the court to pay its workers, maintain certain customer programs, and honor obligations to critical vendors. David’s Bridal will continue to seek buyers, the company said.

David’s Bridal CEO James Marcum said the company “continues to be challenged by the post-COVID environment and uncertain economic conditions, leading us to take this step to identify a buyer who can continue to operate our business going forward.”