'More brides are buying their dress in charity shops'
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Wednesday May 20 2009
Dorothy is one of many brides-to-be turning to Oxfam for her bridal attire. According to District Retail Manager John Adams, the charity's dedicated bridal store in George's Street, Dublin, has seen a 30pc increase in sales on last year.
"There is definitely less hesitancy about buying from here and people know they are supporting a good cause," he says. "A dress that sells for €250, for instance, can buy two families a goat for each father, a vegetable garden for each mother and schoolbooks and musical instruments for the kids.
"The store runs an appointment system so buyers receive the same service they would enjoy in a regular bridal store. Saturday appointments need to be booked a month in advance, but midweek is more flexible.
The average price for a wedding dress is €300, but stock is turned over quickly and if something hasn't sold, the price is slashed. Half the dresses are new -- ex-display models and ends of ranges donated by wedding retailers and designers -- and the rest are donated by supporters after their wedding day.
For more information call 01-478 0777 or visit www.oxfamireland.org/ oxfambridal
