Ex Ipswich Norwich Road bridal shop celebrates anniversary

Previously known as Just a day Bridalwear, the business traded on 8-10 Norwich Road from October 1997 before moving to 30 Norwich Road from January 2011 until June 2023.

The premise of Broomvale Bridal Barns at Broomvale Business Centre. (Image: Broomvale Bridal Barns.) It originally opened its doors in April 1993 at 16 The Street, Little Clacton, before moving to Ipswich.

Founder Sharon Higgs found the empty premises in Norwich Road across the road from a motorbike shop where she was trying to buy a service kit for her bike. 

Broomvale Bridal Barns are able to offer free onsite parking. (Image: Broomvale Bridal Barns) Now known as Broomvale Bridal Barns, the business celebrated its first anniversary at its new location just outside Claydon at Broomvale Business Centre, Little Blakenham, last month.

The business marked the occasion by getting together to celebrate with local fellow wedding suppliers, bridal gown suppliers, trades people who helped to get the barns ready for trading as well as friends and family.

Sharon Higgs with husband Cyrus (Image: Sharon Higgs)

Although it was a big decision to move to the new premises it was felt that customers wanted a new experience and better access to parking, the owners said.

It was felt that Broomvale Barn a Grade II-listed building was the perfect new premises.

Broomvale Bridal Barns are located only 10 minutes from Ipswich. (Image: Broomvale Bridal Barns) The building has three parts including a mezzanine and separate areas to give both privacy and a relaxed atmosphere.

A recently added area is based on being an 'outlet' which offers about 75 gowns that can be purchased directly off the peg at discount prices.

However, the barns also offer a range of re-order gowns and a collection of 100 bridal dresses to choose from.

Sharon Higgs and her team bowling. (Image: Sharon Higgs) There is also another area at Broomvale where prom gowns are available to buy directly from the peg or for re-order in various colours. 

Mrs Higgs, who still runs the business, said that the new premises provides a relaxing experience for her clients.

She said: "It's a more relaxed environment for our clients. They are happy to come here.

"We have our own car park and it's free. We can be relaxed about our opening hours."

Mrs Higgs added that the new premises meets the expectations of modern brides who want the process of choosing a wedding dress to be an experience itself. 

Given the feedback that the business has received she believes that the new premises are living up to her clients expectations.

She added: "Brides today are looking for a journey that creates an experience picking their wedding dress.

"We've had over 100 five-star reviews. I'm quite overwhelmed."