When special events are planned, whether it’s a big job interview or a major event like a wedding, it’s only natural to want to look your very best. California is full of first-rate formalwear shops that can help you find the perfect outfit for your big day.
While businesses in all industries have been impacted by the coronavirus pandemic, businesses related to these types of special events are among those most heavily affected. With restrictions placed on gatherings, events of all kinds, including proms, weddings, and other formal events were cancelled or postponed for the foreseeable future, creating long-term disruptions for businesses that specialize in formalwear.
Coronavirus Pandemic Effects on Bridal Salons & Suit Shops
While many types of clothing can easily be ordered online, buying wedding gowns and suits is a very different process. During their shutdowns, some bridal salons have found options to keep business going. Some started making and selling face masks, offering virtual consultations, and offering at-home try-on sessions. But even with those types of solutions, it’s still difficult to operate at the same level they normally would be.
Once a customer finds the perfect suit or gown for their big event, there’s a good chance it won’t be a perfect fit right off the rack. Alterations can go a long way in helping people look their best and bridal salons and suit shops very frequently have customers coming in to have their clothes altered for a more tailored appearance. While some bridal shops have been offering options for virtual fittings, many brides-to-be have opted to wait for in-person fittings to resume. But since alterations are an important source of revenue for suit shops and bridal boutiques alike, delayed fittings mean delayed income.
Shops that count on weddings for a significant part of their revenue often also receive considerable business from people attending other types of formal events. During the spring, suit shops and bridal salons count on an influx of business from people attending proms. Suit shops also get steady business all year long from people who need new suits for job interviews and to wear for work. But the timing of the pandemic and the related shutdowns meant that these types of businesses missed out on prom season in addition to peak wedding season. And with so many people working from home, people suddenly had less of a need to be buying new suits.
Once weddings are able to resume, some bridal salons may have some problems with inventory. 80% of wedding dresses in the world are produced in China and while their factories were shut down, there were some delays in shipments. Even designers who produce their gowns outside of China may still be impacted by restrictions placed on factories elsewhere and shortages of fabrics like silk and chiffon. There may also be some loss of business from people who decide to cancel their formal weddings in favor of more low-key options like backyard weddings, drive-thru weddings, or virtual weddings.
Business Interruption Claims for Bridal Salons & Suit Shops
Business owners typically understand that there might come a time when they’ll need to temporarily close their doors because of circumstances beyond their control, such as a power outage, a fire, flood, or damage from a storm. They also know how expensive it can be to close down just for a day or two so they plan ahead by purchasing a business insurance policy that includes business interruption and/or civil authority coverage.
These types of insurance coverage are supposed to help cover the monetary losses associated with temporary closures, like lost revenue, employee payroll, moving to a new location, and mortgage/rent payments. But with so many businesses forced to temporarily shut down or operate on a very limited basis because of COVID-19, insurance carriers have been very eager to deny as many of these claims as possible, especially given the amount of time many businesses have been forced to close. Very often, these claims are denied without being properly reviewed first.
Help for California Formalwear Shops
When you have a business to take care of, the last thing you need to worry about is a dispute with your insurance company. The Wallace Firm is now helping California business owners with their business interruption insurance claims. Whether you’re in the process of getting ready to make a claim or have already made a claim and been denied, our attorneys can work with you to give you the best chance of success. These claims are being handled on a contingency basis, so you won’t need to pay any fees unless we successfully help you get results. Contact us today so that we can get to work fighting for you to get the benefits you need.