A new shop is coming to York’s Coney Street – opened by a former candidate on The Apprentice.
Shannon Martin, owner of Dotty Bridal, will open an Off-The-Peg store in the street next month.
It stocks ‘sample’ designer wedding dresses which have previously been tried on by brides-to-be and are available at discounted prices both in store and on its website.
The dresses are ‘one offs’ – but can prove the perfect style and fit for brides. Shannon says they can be the ideal option for those with a wedding fast approaching, or those looking to pick up a designer dress at a discounted price.
The business was named ‘UK Bridal Retailer of the Year’ earlier this year.
“We’re thrilled to be heading to York and to be bringing the Off-The-Peg by Dotty concept to the city also, as ‘buy on the day’ wedding dress shopping is really seeing a boom,” said Shannon, who established Dotty Bridal in 2015.
The York shop, now being fitted out, is between The Watch Lab and Mobile Tech Experts at 24 Coney Street. It has been empty for at least six years, although was turned into the Fabrication pop-up crafts shop for a while.
“Obviously we have established a reputation with brides who want the full experience of trying on dresses and choosing one to be tailor-made for them at our Dotty Bridal boutique in Holmfirth,” Shannon added.
“However, at the same time we have seen equal demand from brides to be able to walk into or Off-The-Peg offering, where they can choose a dress and walk out with it that very day.
“That’s the offering we will now be bringing to York. It will be buy off the peg on the day, but we will still offer that boutique experience for brides to enjoy with friends and family, with expert advice and support from our team to help brides find a bargain designer there and then.”
‘Ideal location’
Shannon was a memorable candidate on The Apprentice in 2023, long after setting up Dotty Bridal.
She left the show after two weeks, saying simply the show “wasn’t right for me”. And by that time her business already had a £1 million turnover.
Shannon says she is thrilled to be opening in York, the first venture for her business outside of Holmfirth, in West Yorkshire.
Off-The-Peg’s new York store will offer designer gowns from designers including Pronovias, Madi Lane, Justin Alexander and Allure Bridal, in sizes from a 6 to a 26. Dresses will start in price from £699, with some having up to 70% off their original price.
“I think what attracts people is the huge savings we are able to offer, and we do this because each dress is a one off, and for us to sell it requires a bride-to-be to come along who first of all loves it, and then fits in it,” added Shannon.
“York is the ideal location for us. I’ve never wanted us to be based in shopping malls our outlets, as I believe our brand fits with market towns and cities with rich histories such as York, which attract visitors from far and wide.”