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Bridal store closes doors, cites economy

Sharon Arnett, owner of SharNett Bridal and Prom, models a dress on Saturday, Jan. 17, 2009, at Hara Arena's 27th Annual Bridal and Prom Gala. The SharNett Bridal and Prom store closed abruptly this week.

Chris Stewart Sharon Arnett, owner of SharNett Bridal and Prom, models a dress on Saturday, Jan. 17, 2009, at Hara Arena's 27th Annual Bridal and Prom Gala. The SharNett Bridal and Prom store closed abruptly this week.

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Outside of the closed store Tuesday evening, Meredith Houser uses her cell phone after discovering the sudden closing of SharNett Bridal, 8 Prestige Plaza near the Dayton Mall.

Jim Witmer Outside of the closed store Tuesday evening, Meredith Houser uses her cell phone after discovering the sudden closing of SharNett Bridal, 8 Prestige Plaza near the Dayton Mall.

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Outside of the closed store Tuesday evening, Abby Cisco of New Bremen writes down the phone number to deal with the problem of getting her wedding apparel that she ordered for her wedding in 2010.

Jim Witmer Outside of the closed store Tuesday evening, Abby Cisco of New Bremen writes down the phone number to deal with the problem of getting her wedding apparel that she ordered for her wedding in 2010.

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Closing bridal store customers 'don't need to panic'

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Outside of the closed store Tuesday evening, Meredith Houser (L) and Rachel Belville use their cell phones after discovering the sudden closing of SharNett Bridal, 8 Prestige Plaza near the Dayton Mall.

Jim Witmer Outside of the closed store Tuesday evening, Meredith Houser (L) and Rachel Belville use their cell phones after discovering the sudden closing of SharNett Bridal, 8 Prestige Plaza near the Dayton Mall.

By Angela Watson Gay, Staff writer Updated 2:35 AM Thursday, July 9, 2009

Karen Crouch and her 22-year-old daughter, Amanda, were in “panic mode” when they learned Tuesday, July 7, that SharNett Bridal and Prom had gone out of business... without notifying them.

Amanda’s wedding is Sept. 19; the wedding dress and shoes were paid for two months ago. The West Carrollton woman’s five bridesmaids had already paid the deposit for their dresses.

Two signs affixed to the door of the business at 8 Prestige Plaza reads: “Due to the economy this store is closed; and Present customers will be contacted. Phone: 937-718-6183. sharnettbridal@aol.com.”

An e-mail from the SharNett staff sent late Tuesday night said they are responding to concerned brides' inquiries "in a timely manner" and will begin returning phone calls on Wednesday.

"Please keep everyone on our staff in prayer," the message read. "We are all working to do as much as we can, as fast as we can daily."

The message went on to say, "There are no 'bail-outs' for small business owners, only big companies and banks at this time."

"We can't fight the economy any longer," the e-mail said. "We have never participated in 'bridal bashing' anyone; it is the economy, and our industry has been hit hard!"

“I was in complete shock,” said Crouch, who’s handling much of the planning of her only daughter’s wedding. “I’m a control freak, but how do you plan around your bridal shop closing?” the Franklin woman asked.

The women were taking Amanda’s future mother-in-law, who is visiting from New Jersey, with them while Amanda picked out her veil. She was going to model the sample dress for her.

Crouch said Amanda kept asking, “What are we gonna’ do, what are we gonna do?”

This had been the only hitch in Amanda’s storybook romance to fiance John Ruhlman, 26. It was a year-long courtship topped off with a sunset proposal on the beach in the Bahamas.

“I told her it will be OK, but I was thinking, ‘What are we gonna do, what are we gonna’ do?’ I was trying to be calm for her.” Crouch suggested they go to David’s Bridal, right across the street from SharNett’s.

After about two hours of trying on dresses, Amanda found another. She also got her shoes, veil and picked out her bridesmaid dresses. “I like this dress too,” she said, “but you plan your whole wedding around your dress.”

Still, she walked out of David’s smiling ear to ear, with a death grip on her gown bag. “We’re not taking any chances,” she said. “I need a dress safe.”

Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2374 or anwatson@DaytonDailyNews.com.

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