Absolute Bridal & Formal

This Mom in California is highly disappointed in the level of service… or LACK thereof!
My daughter and three of her friends went to this bridal shop in order to find bridesmaids and flower girl dresses for her wedding in December. Although I am in a different state, the process is very special and I want so badly to be there physically, however, I cannot. Two other locations gave her permission to video call me so I could be a part of this very special venture virtually and it has been quite pleasant so far… UNTIL THIS PLACE.
Upon entering the store, my daughter immediately asked an approaching sales woman if it was OK to video call me — she explained the unique situation and she agreed it would be fine as long as it was just a call and not photos, etc. She daughter confirmed and proceeded with our call. We commented on some of the fashions, and finally agreed on a dress for one of the young ladies to try on (urged on by the very aggressive sales woman I might add). While waiting for a member of our party to model said dress, a middle aged man walked up to my daughter VERY RUDELY saying something about screen shots aren’t allowed… she responded jokingly and proceeded to show him our video phone call — she even stated, I was in California and couldn’t be there. — but before she could finish, he cut her off. instead of staying professional or even apologizing, he proceeded to increase his volume of speaking while citing regulations of the strict partnership he has with designers. My Daughter commented about his lack of professionalism and her desire to shop elsewhere…
He then proceeded to FOLLOW THEM CLOSELY AND ATTEMPT TO USE INTIMIDATION TACTICS on three very well spoken, beautiful, casually dressed, graduate students all with me, a virtual mom, experiencing the entire chain of events. His actions were over the top & simply unnecessary.
The young lady who was coerced into trying on the dress finally came out & stood on the platform to demonstrate the dress’ features, while the future bride & friends eagerly sat on the couch waiting for the viewing and much needed exodus. The man, finally identified himself as THE OWNER, continued to stand IN FRONT of, ON THE SIDE OF & BEHIND the ladies, as if they are engaging in inappropriate behavior… when they remained poised and classy giving their attention to their friend who stood on a podium, unaware of the turn of events while she was in the fitting room.
I was sickened by his blatant and rude approach to deter «in-​store photos». He was clearly targeting and picking on these young ladies.
The final straw was when he STOOD ON THE PODIUM NEXT TO THE YOUNG LADY MODELING THE DRESS!!! HE DID NOT MOVE AWAY — I wanted to say to him, «Why on earth, except for ignorance and obvious underlying issues toward young ladies wielding a bit more „melanin“ than you wanted in this store, would a person do this? YOU SIR, are a JERK!»
Meanwhile, WE and mine will Never return and this establishment certainly WILL NOT get my GREEN money for this wedding! (9BM +1FG dress Needed + One Idiot = Missed Opportunity)
Side Note:
**While on the phone, I witnessed other patrons in the store, walking and talking in large groups. All were free to stroll without intimidation or being followed**

This place made the experience of finding a wedding dress, a horrible and dragged out process. The workers constantly tried to show me dresses I did not want. Every time I told them what I wanted, they did not listen. They also tried to change my opinion on what I wanted for my wedding, even guilting me into saying it wasn’t what «God would want». I will never take anyone back here nor go back. The environment was also unpleasant. Made my friends feel extremely awkward and uncomfortable. Very rude overall. They also do not allow you to take pictures. The quality/​material of the dresses were cheap. Would not recommend going here.

Service warning to the people of Lynchburg:
I HIGHLY caution anyone against shopping at Absolute Bridal and Formal on Main Street. I have been in this story on three separate occasions to look at wedding dress/​accessories/​shoes etc. EACH and EVERY time, I have not hardly gotten past the front of the store without being accosted y the owners. First, I am a bride who has been through the ringer twice now, so I am familiar with the wedding world, terms, sizing, material, the whole vernacular. I know EXACTLY what I am looking for in a wedding dress. Upon entering the store, I was told that I could not browse and had to have an appointment, even though there was not a soul in the shop. And theior website only «suggests» an appointment. Mind you this was my third time in, and the last time I was in they did not mention anything about an appointment. I went on to explain to both owners why my schedule does not allow me a whole lot of time to make and keep appointments. Not that I even needed to provide them a reason as to why I wouldn’t subject myself to scheduled harassment by them. I do not wish to try on things with big appointments without family present. I explained this to the owner and his wife. He proceeded to tell me that 85% of women do not know what they want in a wedding dress. Sorry but I am part of a very cut and dry 15% of women that know what she is looking for it a wedding dress. Plain and simple, I know what I want. I then explained to him why he was being pushy and inappropriate. And he concluded by telling me that he could definitely dress me better than I could dress myself, and that I had no idea what I was talking about. This was the most recent visit. The first visit I had there, I was told I should be there unless I was ready to try on dresses. Also they made condescending comments about my weight as if I couldn’t fit in any other dress. Last time, I checked I wasn’t the size of Mount Rushmore. And honestly, I do not even remember my second visit, but I can tell you it was nothing bu a trifling blur.
I understand that providing a service and maintaining a business is difficult, but good customer service is key. I say this, as someone who has been in customer service for years, and I know precisely what it take to make a customer feel valued and listened to. And I would not have even said anything if this was just a fluke of an experience, but it wasn’t. Three strikes and you ought to be out.
A wedding is supposed to be the happiest day of a woman’s life not an ego trip for one’s business. And I think its just general good practice not to harass the people that could make you money. Its probably also good not to bully customers into sales or appointments.
PLEASE do not shop here if you value your sanity, self worth, and good customer service.