A long-standing Liverpool city centre bridal shop is just weeks away from closing after serving generations of brides. Copplestones Bridal, an award-winning boutique on Sir Thomas Street for nearly 20 years, will shut its doors at the end of this month, having opened in September 2008.
Closure Due to Rising Costs and Online Competition
The team previously confirmed to the ECHO that the “difficult and heartfelt” decision to close was due to increased costs. Manager Tracy Tollitt has now announced that the last day will be Friday, July 31.
A large number of gowns have been sold in the closing down sale as brides “rushed to bag a bargain.” However, with 90 wedding dresses still remaining, Copplestones Bridal is now offering huge discounts of up to 80% on wedding gowns, veils, and accessories, with dresses available from £99, in order to sell off as much stock as possible.
Manager Reflects on Industry Challenges
Tracy, 59, from Anfield, said: “Everything is just too expensive these days. People are buying online now, and it's been that way for a while. Business hasn’t been good, so we expected the closure, but it's like that across the industry. It’s a hard industry to be in right now – it’s sad really. We’ve all been in the industry a long time, and we will likely stay in it after this – it is what we know and love.”
She added: “It was booming when we all started, but over the years, the internet has wrecked it. The likes of SHEIN are hard to compete with, so we are heartbroken. But the main thing is we’ve not let anyone down; we are still keeping our promises to the brides. We aren’t running away; we are staying here to help the brides with any questions and alterations they want.”
Impact on Long-Staff
The closure has also been a personal blow for those who have worked alongside the boutique for many years. Angela Noonan, from South Liverpool, who has spent 30 years in the bridal industry and provided alterations for brides for the past 18 years, said she was saddened by the news.
She added: “Perhaps the biggest change is that brides can now buy wedding dresses online from companies such as SHEIN, ASOS, and specialist online bridal retailers. Younger consumers are comfortable ordering online, even for important purchases such as wedding dresses, as many now prioritise price over service, making it harder for independent shops to survive. Added to which, we have high and increasing overheads which have risen sharply in recent years, while customer numbers have fallen. It’s really sad that Copplestones is closing down. I have altered thousands of gowns so that they fit perfectly. I will continue to do so from home, but it won’t be the same now that the store has closed.”
Legacy and Customer Gratitude
Tracy, who has managed the boutique for the last seven years, said the response from customers had been overwhelming. Reflecting on the boutique’s legacy, she said the most difficult part of the decision was saying goodbye to the brides and families the team had worked with over the years.
She added: “We have loved helping brides create special memories. It has been a privilege to play a part in so many wedding journeys and dream-dress moments.”
The award-winning boutique has become a well-known name in the region's wedding industry, earning a reputation for its personalised service, expert fittings, and carefully selected bridal collections. As the final weeks approach, the team has thanked customers and the wider Liverpool community for their support over the past 18 years.
Tracy added: “This has not been an easy choice for us, as we have cherished every moment spent helping all our brides find their perfect dresses and create unforgettable memories. We are incredibly grateful for the support and love from our wonderful customers and the community over the years. We would like to express our deepest gratitude to all the brides who have supported us over the years. It has been our absolute privilege to help thousands of brides find their dream dress and to be part of their special wedding journeys.”
