BERWICK, NS - “Oh my God, I love it!” one customer was heard to exclaim after finding just the right dress at the grand opening celebration of Delformals Wear.
Owner Del Filippone started her business at the Clothing Line in Berwick while working as a decorator doing floral arrangements about four and a half years ago. She did decorating up to this past year but her business has evolved significantly.
Filippone said on Feb. 1 that she had never held a grand opening celebration, although she’s been at her current Commercial Street location in Berwick for over a year now. She said she really wants to get the word out. Last year was successful and the business is getting “bigger and better” as more people become aware of it.
“I want to bring a good quality of clothing for formal wears, weddings and prom, whatever the occasion might be, that’s affordable for those on strict budgets,” Filippone said.
She said her father told her since she was young that there’s a use for everything and “we had hand-me-downs and hand-me-ups.” Filippone said her shop is a local business that supports the recycling of clothing in the community. People bring in new and gently used wedding and formal wear to sell on consignment.
She relocated her shop to 227 Commercial St. because she was in need of more space. Filippone had considered moving the business to New Minas but her heart was in Berwick, her hometown.
“It gave me the opportunity to spruce the place up a little bit and do some décor the way I wanted it,” she said.
Filippone was in the decorating business for about 10 years and would often hear brides say that the dress was the biggest expense associated with a wedding. This got her thinking of ways that she could help provide more affordable options. She’s been busy since she started selling formal wear on consignment and has had customers from as far away as Yarmouth and Halifax.
Filippone said there’s a definite need for such a business in the Valley. She’s a big supporter of local businesses and finds that many of her customers feel the same. They appreciate the level of customer service provided by Delformals and not having to travel far to shop for a gown.
“I’m right there crying along with the brides and the girls with their prom dresses,” Filippone said.
Filippone had several local Ms. International, Miss International and Miss Teen International competitors she helps sponsor on hand to help out with the grand opening. She has several friends and family members who help her out and Filippone hopes to be able to take on one or two full or part-time employees as the business grows.
“I can see it getting much busier down the road,” Filippone said.
If you have new or gently used wedding and formal wear to sell on consignment, contact Delformals Wear at 902-300-5398, email [email protected] or visit Delformals Wear on Facebook.
