July 23, 2008

To all my valued customers:

It has been a joy and pleasure to serve so many of you over the last 3 years.  When I began ValCollections, I never anticipated how many lives I would be able to touch and how many friends around the globe I would make.  But as the saying goes, all good things must come to an end.  Effective June 26th, 2008, ValCollections will no longer be taking any new orders from brides.  Before I get into an explanation of why we've decided to close up shop, I want to reassure you that although I am not taking new orders, we will continue to fulfill existing orders until the last one is delivered.  For potential new customers, feel free to email me and I'll be happy to recommend a site or two that I'd recommend you visit.

Now, to the explanation.  While I don't want to bad mouth any of my suppliers, I comes down to the fact that the entire supply chain in the online bridal industry has just become too much to handle.  My business was founded on the concept that I could provide quality name-brand gowns to brides at deeply discounted prices.  This entire business model relies on relationships with many boutiques across the country�and their relationships with bridal gown manufacturers.  But at the end of the day, the online distribution channel has just become too hard to maintain.  Unfortunately, it is disappointed brides who become victims in the battle between manufacturers trying to keep prices at their recommended level and our partners who want to provide a product at a reasonable price.  While I could continue to sell gowns online at a discount, the level of effort has grown exponentially since I began.  I've simply made the decision that my family life is more important than the modest income I've experienced by selling online.  Who knows...maybe one day I'll get the energy to pick up where I'm leaving off.  Until then, I thank my customers and suppliers alike for being part of a great experience. 

And again, I must reiterate that if you have an order pending, it WILL be fulfilled as planned.  But if you have any questions or want personal confirmation, please feel free to email me.  I realize that planning a wedding can be stressful enough and I don't want to be a contributing factor!

Thanks again and God Bless.

Sincerely,

Valerie