New bridal store to open in south Essex as prom business expands

Ria Carroll, a 35-year-old from Billericay, is the owner of Ri’s Ri’s prom store in 47 High Street, Billericay.

She is now set to expand her successful business with a second store in the same street, specifically for wedding dresses.

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Ria has been running her prom store for almost ten years, and decided to expand into a bigger unit just weeks before the lockdown restrictions began, with the aim to include bridal dresses too.

Once the shop finally re-opened following lockdown, Ria said she felt “some customers were confused by having prom and bridal dresses in the same store”.

As Ria still owned the other store, she has now decided to take the step and make her dream come true of owning a bridal store.

She said: “It has been a treacherous few years with Covid, and then trying to do the bridal for the last two years in our prom store, it was a bit confusing for customers.

“So, we have decided to separate it and open a solely dedicated bridal store in the high street, just a few doors down.

“We haven’t got a bridal store nearby in Billericay, so we are hoping to be the new kids on the block as they say.

“It is a dream of mine, as I have always loved wedding dress and fashion, and also used to dress up as a kid too.

“I do love the prom side still as it is my passion - but working on the bridal side of things feels more magical.

“Proms are special, but weddings are magical, and it would be nice to be a part of someone’s special day and wedding experience.”

Ri Ri’s Bridal will be located just a few doors down from the prom store, at 51b High Street, Billericay.

Ria hopes to be launching an opening day next Saturday, however admitted this is still up in the air due to minor delays. 

She added: “I am so excited.

“It is a dream of mine to get married at some point but that doesn’t look likely, so I will help and make someone else’s day special.”