The Bridal Retreat Expands its Upscale Wedding Shops & Services; Hosts Grand Opening Event, Offers Special Deals This Weekend

Business Wire, July 22, 2002

Lifestyle Editors

SAVAGE, Minn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--July 22, 2002

Opens Twin Cities' first bridal shoe store, trend-setting

floral shop, and leading retailer of designer formalwear

The Bridal Retreat today announced a special Grand Opening event which will take place on Friday, July 26th and Saturday, July 27th from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. with the unveiling of three new stores -- Sole Mates, the Twin Cities first bridal shoe store; Buds & Bloomers Floral, an innovative floral shop with a forte in weddings; and Tuxedos by Gingiss, Minnesota's leading distributor of designer men's formalwear. The Grand Opening Event includes designer-hosted trunk shows featuring couture bridal gowns and shoes, as well as special offers and savings from all participating retailers (see details outlined below). The event takes place at the Bridal Retreat on County Road 42 in Savage, 3 miles west of Burnsville Center.

With the addition of the new stores, the Bridal Retreat features a complete selection of premiere wedding retail services including couture gowns, bridesmaid dresses, formal wear, honeymoon travel, wedding cakes, flowers, shoes, invitations, bridal alterations and accessories. The Bridal Retreat, a group of handpicked wedding retail professionals all under one roof, is the Twin Cities' first wedding specialty retail destination. Participating retailers have established their reputation with exceptional quality, service and selection.

"Our goal has always been to offer the best selection combined with incredible service," said Sonja Bomhoff, Bridal Retreat founder and owner of Bridal Accents. "I am pleased to announce that with the addition of these new stores we are making our vision a reality. Our focus on upscale merchandise and personalized service fills a void in the Twin Cities market."

Sole Mates

Sole Mates is the Twin Cities first bridal shoe store, giving brides and bridesmaids a better option in finding a perfect pair of shoes that are sure to fit. Founder Heather Aud came up with the idea in response to a growing customer demand for a bridal shoe store. Most brides have to resort to ordering shoes sight unseen and bridesmaids often have to order ill-fitting dyed shoes that are non color-fast. Sole Mates is the first shoe store dedicated to shoes for the entire wedding party with a selection of sizes in stock for the customers to try on before making their purchase.

Sole Mates carries upscale couture brands like Kenneth Cole, Shelley George, Grace, Entrata and Salon Shoes. Its wide selection includes hand-constructed bridal shoes made from the finest European silks and leather soles and an array of bridesmaid's shoes available in 15 different permanent colors, eliminating the need to have them dyed.

Tuxedos by Gingiss

Tuxedos by Gingiss features exclusive tuxedos and top brands including Ralph Lauren, Perry Ellis, Claiborne, and Tallia. Formal wear selections includes over 200 full-back vests and a wide selection of other accessories. A selected member of the Twin Cities' Elite 100 wedding retailers, Gingiss prides itself on exceptional service, product quality and attention to detail.

Buds & Bloomers Floral

Buds and Bloomers is an innovative and full service flower shop. Its founders, Katee Mahlkuch and Suzanne Engel, have built their business around a personalized customer experience. With expertise in weddings, Buds & Bloomers' specialty is to use flowers to create an atmosphere that is unique to each bride and that captures her personality. By setting the tone of any special event through flowers, Buds & Bloomers inspires passion for every occasion.

Bridal Retreat Grand Opening Special Offers

Bridal Accents: Couture Bridal Fashions

A double-designer trunk show event features couture gowns of Anne Barge and Melissa Sweet. Save up to $600 on a trunk show gown purchase or 10% on all designer gowns.

Buds & Bloomers Floral: Exclusive Floral Designs

View fresh floral bouquets and save 10% on reception flowers. Enter to win a bridal bouquet valued at $400.

Cakes by Jan: Quality Taste with a Personal Touch

Taste exquisite wedding cake samples and save up to $50 on your selected cake.

CIAC Travel: Destination Wedding and Honeymoon Specialist

Consult with knowledgeable travel agents and save $300 on select honeymoon packages.

Tuxedos by Gingiss: Designer Men's Formalwear

Register your tuxedos and receive $20 off each tuxedo rental.

Last Minute Alterations: Alterations for the Entire Wedding Party

Meet with a couture seamstress and receive $35 in bridal alterations or $15 in bridesmaid alterations.

Sole Mates: Bridal Party Shoes that Fit Your Sole (In Stock!)

Consult with bridal shoe designer Katherine Boehm from Shelley George. Save $5 on all bridesmaid shoes and save $10 on all bridal shoes.

Specials valid July 26-27 only, certain restrictions may apply. See www.bridalretreat.com for more information.