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
Woman with liver failure rejected for a transplant after medical review highlights alcohol use
For nearly three months, Amanda Huska has been in an Ontario hospital, part of it on life support, because of severe liver failure. Her history of alcohol use is getting in the way of her only potential treatment: a liver transplant.
$500K-worth of elvers seized at Toronto airport
Fishery and border service officers seized more than 100 kilograms of unauthorized elvers at the Toronto Pearson International Airport on Wednesday.
Box tree moths have infested Ontario and experts say more are coming. Here's what to do to protect your garden
An invasive moth species is on the rise in Canada and, if you've planted a certain shrub, it could stand to ruin your garden.
Duchene scores winner in 2nd OT, Stars reach conference final with 2-1 win over Avs
Matt Duchene scored at 11:42 of the second overtime after being involved in a play that led to a goal disallowed for goaltender interference in the first extra period, and the Dallas Stars advanced to the Western Conference final with a 2-1 victory over the Colorado Avalanche in Game 6 on Friday night.
B.C. man 'attacked suddenly' by adult grizzly near Alberta boundary: RCMP
A B.C. man is recovering from multiple injuries after he was "attacked suddenly" by an adult grizzly bear near Elkford Thursday afternoon.
Jesus is their saviour, Trump is their candidate. Ex-president's backers say he shares faith, values
As Donald Trump increasingly infuses his campaign with Christian trappings while coasting to a third Republican presidential nomination, his support is as strong as ever among evangelicals and other conservative Christians.
Feds refuse Toronto's request to decriminalize simple drug possession
The federal government has denied Toronto's request to decriminalize simple possession of small amounts of drugs for personal use.
Yemen's Houthi rebels launch a missile that strikes an oil tanker in the Red Sea, U.S. military says
Yemen's Houthi rebels hit an oil tanker in the Red Sea with a ballistic missile early Saturday, damaging the Panama-flagged, Greek-owned vessel in their latest assault over the Israel-Hamas war in the Gaza Strip, officials said.
Alberta Medical Association sounds alarm over lack of available oncologists
The Alberta Medical Association is expressing deep concerns to the provincial government over a lack of oncologists needed to provide cancer care to keep up with population growth.