A Blackburn bridal store owner has spoken about how the firm has adapted to the changing demands and expectations of customers.

Wedding Fitters Studio opened in February 2023 and is set over three floors at the location of a former estate agents.

As well as a shop floor the store has a design studio, a dedicated fitting area and an alteration room.

Sudell Cross and King William Street have been revitalised post-Covid with a number of new restaurants, and cafes opening along the historic stretch.

Kelly Gardner, who runs the store in Sudell Cross, said: “We like to describe ourselves as a one-stop bridal shop.

"We do wedding dresses and bridesmaids dresses and all are made to order.

“We can also do men’s ties and pocket squares to match the wedding dresses. We can do alterations to suits.

“They are all new dresses and start at £250 and go all the way up to £1,000.

“They are not cheap but they are not expensive, they are a nice price range.”

Sudell Cross has been revitalised in recent years.Kelly has more than 20 years of experience in altering wedding dresses and decided to launch the store after the pandemic restrictions were lifted.

She said: “My background is in wedding dress alterations. I have done bridal for 10 years and I have only been selling dresses for two years.

“There used to be three or four major bridal shops in Blackburn.

“I think most people will admit it is a really hard industry to be in because it is seasonal.

“There is a lot of competition from online stores. But I do think there are a growing number of people who still want to come into the store and try on the outfits. It makes such a huge difference."

The store stocks a wide range of wedding dressesKelly added: “We want to bring people back into the shop and into the town centre. They can then see and feel the dress.

“Some customers might think a dress is perfect for them but then later find it different when they have tried it on. They may get a dress which they would have never thought of wearing.

“We want to give the bride an opportunity to come in and find her style.”

Kelly has admitted the industry is tough but extremely rewardingIn January, the store will go through a further makeover.

With the growing Asian wedding industry in Blackburn, Kelly said she had noticed more and more of those brides opting to go for a traditional white dress.

Kelly added: “We have customers from across different cultures and countries. We have had Lithuanian, German and Polish customers among others.

“We do also have a lot of Asian brides now visiting us.

“We have learnt a lot during our time here and can alter the dress to suit the customer’s need.

“It has been a wonderful process for us finding out about different cultures and traditions.”