Alfred Angelo Bridal Chain Reportedly Closing, Brides Scrambling

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MIAMI (CBSMiami) -- A popular South Florida-based wedding dress-maker is going out of business and many brides-to-be could be left scrambling.

Multiple reports from across the country say the Alfred Angelo bridal chain, based out of Delray Beach, has gone bankrupt and shutdown.

CBS4 checked both South Florida locations. In Coral Gables, some people were inside, but staff wouldn't talk. In Sunrise, the store was closed and a sign told customers to e-mail a law firm.

CBS4 contacted the law firm who said they will have no comment or information until Monday.

This is something that is happening across the U.S. – from East to West - including at a store in California.

At the Alfred Angelo bridal store in Orange County, employees shielded the store from cameras and refused to answer questions about why they suddenly shut their doors, leaving many brides, bridesmaids and their moms in the dark.

"We were coming to find out if we could get our money back," said Pamela Schwene who is the mother of a bridesmaid.

"I tried to call, nobody was answering," said bride Sarah McCallum who learned about it over social media.

Angelo's closed up shop after she prepaid for three bridesmaids dresses.

"I have three months. I can figure it out but I'm still upset because I paid for something and I don't know if I'll get a refund. I don't know if they'll get a dress," said McCallum

"I thought it was only one store because a friend in Nebraska posted about it but it's nationwide and no one is answering any phone calls. Their entire corporate office is empty," said bridesmaid Elyse Berger.

Linda Carter said she prepaid for seven bridesmaids dresses for her daughter's wedding.

When she showed up Thursday night, she said, "They can't give me any info but a lawyers number. They won't give a refund and they said the dresses probably won't be shipped."

The Better Business Bureau is offering advice to customers affected by the closing. They are offering the following tips:

•  Contact your credit card company- If your purchase was made using a credit card contact your credit card company and file a chargeback.
• Gather your receipts and documents– This will help in preparation for any opportunities to obtain a resolution.
• Contact third party retailers- If you made your purchase from a third party retailer look into their refund policy and contact them to see if they can help.
• Be careful with discounts- Some Bridal stores are offering discounts to brides who have been affected by the Alfred Angelo closings. If you decide to take advantage of these discounts make sure you understand any applicable terms and policies, especially if you don't have time for errors and alterations.
• Beware of online donations and crowdfunding pages- when unfortunate events occur, it opens the door to potential scammers who are looking to take advantage of the situation. Beware of any person who claims they can help you retrieve your dress from the store for a fee, or any crowdfunding pages looking to raise money for a dress they lost. Only communicate with a designated bankruptcy attorney, if assigned.

Customers affected can also click here to get updates from BBB.