Bridal shop serving Calgary 54 years ends tradition, unveils new plan
As wedding dress styles change through the decades, one Calgary shop has remained a constant option for local brides for more than half a century.
Ethos has operated out of the historic Devenish Building on 17 Avenue since the 1970s but has left the space behind because of a shift in the industry.
“For so long we had people walking in but, all of a sudden people wanted that one-on-one appointment,” said manager Jamie Nazer.
Staff say they only shifted to that model because it was necessary during the COVID-19 pandemic, but found brides preferred it and were more likely to buy.
So Ethos is moving to a smaller space, just two blocks down at 1020 17 Ave. S.W.
“Serve (fewer) people during the daytime and give them the service they’re looking for.”
It will continue offering a variety of styles, complete customization and dedicated staff.
“I’ve been with Ethos for 37 years,” said Nazer.
In many cases several generations of the same family have chosen the local business for their wedding.
“Everyone says, 'Who didn’t buy from Ethos, my grandma did, my mom did my aunt did,'” said Nazer.
The Omar family is pleased to be one of those families.
Miya Omar is getting married in June and picked her wedding dress in the very same shop as her mother.
“It’s very special, it’s a very wholesome moment,” she said.
Though her sisters won’t have the exact same experience, they’re hoping to continue the trend.
“I mean it definitely sucks that I don’t get to come to the same location because it does feel so welcoming and comforting but the staff here, all of the different options and customizations; I think the services will just be enhanced in a new spot,” said Ayah Omar.
Staff feel the same way about leaving the special space.
“We definitely will miss it but we look forward to the new adventure in the other building,” said Nazer.
But they are excited to continuing the tradition in a more modern way that gives brides the experience they want.
Ethos staff say Calgary designer Kate Hewko plans to take over the former bridal space.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
'Decades-long fight': MPs unanimously pass 'anti-scab' legislation
A bill that would ban federal employers from using replacement workers or 'scabs' during lockouts or strikes passed the House of Commons unanimously on Monday.
Mike Tyson had medical issue on cross-country flight
Boxing legend Mike Tyson required medical attention after experiencing an 'ulcer flare up' toward the end of a cross-country flight Sunday, his representatives confirmed to the New York Post.
Why Canada's big grocery stores are under investigation
Amid mounting outrage over high grocery prices, a retail expert says there's a solution to fostering more competition in the country.
What a CBSA strike could look like, according to an expert
Slowed or interrupted travel, the passing of goods and significantly restricted borders should be expected if Canadian border workers take upcoming strike action.
WATCH Alta. man rescues wild foal trapped on steep cliffside
A man's daring rescue of a newborn wild foal that was trapped after falling down a steep embankment was caught on video over the weekend.
Arrests made in 'highly orchestrated' GTA auto theft operation: police
Peel Regional Police say they have arrested 16 suspects and issued arrest warrant for another 10 individuals in connection with an auto theft investigation carried out by a 'highly orchestrated criminal operation.'
Cattle rustling comes to Quebec as police investigate suspected theft of entire herd
Quebec provincial police are investigating after an entire herd of about 75 cattle were allegedly stolen in the Eastern Townships region last week.
B.C. senior prepares to move due to devastating effects of fraud
A Courtenay, B.C., senior is downsizing and packing to move as she comes to accept she can no longer afford to stay in her home, after falling victim to a scam that robbed her of her life savings worth more than $100,000.
Netanyahu acknowledges 'tragic mistake' after Rafah strike kills dozens of Palestinians
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu acknowledged Monday that a "tragic mistake" had been made after an Israeli strike in the southern Gaza city of Rafah set fire to a tent camp housing displaced Palestinians and, according to local officials, killed at least 45 people.