Creatiques Bridal Boutique in Southsea bags Bridal Buyer Magazine customer service award for its work throughout lockdown

Creatiques Bridal Boutique, in Albert Road, was one of many businesses forced to close in March, leaving scores of brides in limbo.

However, owners Andrew and Rob Pearce used the time to create an online community.

Their dedication has been rewarded after one of its customers nominated it for a national award.

Sara Courtney, from Gosport, was due to get married on December 21 to Mike Purkiss, however this has now been postponed.

Despite this setback, she wanted to recognise the work of Creatiques.

She said: ‘I nominated them because of the support they have given me and other brides throughout lockdown.

‘They created a Facebook page and through lockdown, which affected everyone's lives so much, gave us support.

‘Creatiques’ support really helped to give a little bit of hope and help us to think about the future and the prospect of coming out of this really difficult time.’

Andrew and Rob, who set up Creatiques nearly 30 years ago, opening their first shop in 2006, were delighted to find out that they had not only been nominated, but they had also won, beating scores of shops from across the country to the prestigious title.

Andrew said: ‘We won the exceptional customer service award from the Bridal Buyer Magazine, which is for our industry the Oscars of awards.

‘The awards were based on what you did and how you went above and beyond. While the shop was shut we kept in contact every single one of our brides, through newsletters, set up hysterical live facebook feeds, in which we were joined by loads of brides, who said it was nice to see our faces and know that their dresses were being looked after.

‘We wanted to let people know what was going on. There were so many weddings booked for May and June, and no-one knew what was going on, so for us to come online meant so much to them.’

Andrew said: ‘It is amazing. The customer service award is one of the best as it shows that we are doing a really good job for our brides.’

Despite having to close again this month, the entrepreneurial pair are using the time wisely and they have been cooking up ways to stay in business.

Rob said: ‘Lockdown has given us a chance to reevaluate and expand. We have expanded our hair salon, and our mother of the bride range and we launched our own candle company called Bustle and Bertie.’

They say they have missed holding their fashion shows, but hope to hold virtual shows soon as well as make a return in 2021.

Andrew said: ‘It has affected us, we have had to think outside the box and do something completely different. All the new stuff is coming through, we haven’t been able to showcase it.

‘But we have completely overhauled the shop, we have a new garden, a new salon, launched a new range and even set up our own fragrance label, which is amazing.’

A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron

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