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1of21The former David's Bridal space at 250 Westport Ave. in Norwalk, Conn., in February 2018.Alexander Soule / Hearst Connecticut MediaShow MoreShow Less2of21Teens try on fashions in 2012 at David’s Bridal in Danbury, Conn. in advance of a fashion show to benefit Habitat for Humanity. Entering February 2018, a Norwalk David’s Bridal store closed, leaving the Danbury store one of two remaining locations in southwestern Connecticut, along with a location in Orange.Carol Kaliff / Carol KaliffShow MoreShow Less
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David's Bridal
Headquarters: Conshohocken, Penn.
Year founded: 1950
Number of locations: More than 300
Merchandise: Wedding and prom dresses, formal wear
"The Eolia Mansion at Harkness State Park is set on over 230 acres of lawn that overlooks the Long Island Sound. Named after the island home of Aeolus—god of the winds—the estate was a summer mansion for the Harkness family. Cocktail hour often begins in the gardens and dinner kicks off in the mansion. True to its namesake, a breeze blows from the Sound and couples often gift children with kites to fly on the expansive lawn." - T&C Magazine
"Located along the coastal Connecticut farmland in Stonington, a Saltwater Farm Vineyard wedding takes place in a WWII-era private airport. Or of course, there’s the vineyard. The best part: The venue offers award-winning wines, perfect for clinking cheers on your wedding day." - T&C Magazine
"Lord Thompson Manor is set upon 40 acres of lush land in Thompson, and specializes in every detail of the wedding weekend. From the rehearsal dinner near the fire pit to a Champagne toast on the side garden balcony, then the after-party and post-wedding brunch. Naturally, there’s a spa to relax between events." - T&C Magazine
"Situated on the banks of the Lieutenant River, this museum on the Connecticut Shoreline is known for its collection of American Impressionism, but offers an almost-hidden gem in the way of weddings. Guests partake in cocktail hour, with water views on the sprawling lawn and then enjoy dinner under the tent; art exhibits can be perused the first two hours of the reception." - T&C Magazine
"At Winvian Farm, set amid 113 acres of woodland in Western Connecticut, couples can reserve the entire 18 cottages and Hadley suite—each the brainchild of a different designer and architect, offering both beauty and whimsy. Come dinner, chefs prepare menus from the on-site organic garden." - T&C Magazine
"Perched on over 90 acres in the Connecticut River Valley, Saint Clements Castle & Marina takes an architectural design nod from the 16th century castles of Europe. Built in 1898, the now-historic property was gifted to the Saint Clements Foundation Inc., and couples can celebrate in one of two ballrooms or at the Port-Hampton Marina Club." - T&C Magazine
"A luxury country retreat with 58 acres of woodlands and just 30 rooms, Grace Mayflower Inn & Spa is renowned as one of the most indulgent spa destinations in the northeast; they also plan a terrific wedding. The Parlor and grand lobby set the scene for winter affairs, while warmer weather ushers in the perfect temperatures for a ceremony in the Shakespeare Garden." - T&C Magazine
Serge Detalle/Contributed/Connecticut Office of TourismShow MoreShow Less17of21
8. Guilford Yacht Club
"Don your best seersucker. Nestled on a secluded coast of Connecticut, Guilford Yacht Club hosts non-member weddings in this quintessential New England town. The reception room with large windows and hardwood floors is the picture-perfect venue for a nautical-chic wedding." - T&C Magazine
"Known for its New England charm with Napa style, Jonathan Edwards Winery in North Stonington, offers a tasting room, spacious deck, and stone patio for evening cocktail hour. A tented reception is set among 20 acres of vineyards." - T&C Magazine
"The ideal setting for a country-chic wedding, Tyrone Farm in Pomfret is a fourth-generation family owned and operated property. Set among 170 acres, guests can stroll the English garden during cocktail hour and party in the historic barn or Bluestone terrace come reception time." - T&C Magazine
David’s Bridal has closed its Norwalk store, one of just three locations in southwestern Connecticut and its lone salon in lower Fairfield County.
The gown and tuxedo store had anchored the retail plaza at 250 Westport Ave. owned by Norwalk-based M.F. Discala, after replacing in July 2013 the apparel and accessories shop Mandee. Other tenants today at 250 Westport Ave. include Bond Grill, Romanacci Pizza Bar, Osteria Romana and UFC Gym.
M.F. DiScala has received multiple inquiries from national retailers about the David’s Bridal space since it became available, according to John DiScala, president of the company’s Sedona Group subsidiary. At 8,000 square feet of space, it is the largest retail plaza space in Norwalk for lease with immediate availability, not including an Ethan Allen outlet on Main Avenue that is listed for sale.
A spokesperson for Conshohocken, Pa.-based David’s Bridal responded via email to a Hearst Connecticut Media query on the Norwalk store closure, citing a “strategic decision not to renew the leases on a small number of our U.S. stores” without delving into specific reasons for why the company did not choose to renew its Norwalk lease. She added employees were given the option to work in other stores in the area.
The bridal company is directing customers with questions to its remaining area locations in Danbury at 15 Backus Ave., and in Orange at 112-118 Boston Post Road.
Founded in 1950, David’s Bridal expanded over time to some 300 locations in the United States. Last August, David’s Bridal was listed among the top five retail “loans of concern” by Fitch Ratings, an affiliate of Hearst Connecticut Media, with Fitch citing nearly $500 million in David’s Bridal debt. The list included Nine West, which closed last year at 517 Westport Ave. with the freestanding building now being converted for new use by an early education center.
