Filene’s Basement Holds Famous ‘Running of the Brides’ Sale in Virginia for the First Time

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April 1, 2008

VIENNA, Va., April 1, 2008 /PRNewswire/ — It’s shopping as a full-contact sport. And the women who take part in the “Running of the Brides” at Filene’s Basement wouldn’t have it any other way.
The latest bargain stampede takes place Friday, April 4 at Filene’s Basement on Route 7, across from Tyson’s Corner Center. Many brides-to-be and their helpers literally pounce on dresses priced from $249-$699 that might otherwise cost as much as $10,000.
“We promise our vendors that we won’t reveal the labels, but I can say that these are well-known names featured regularly on the pages of popular brides’ magazines,” said Anna Podore, the Basement’s wedding gown buyer. Which is why, when the doors open, there is a mad dash to the racks — held up by store employees so they don’t topple — and those racks are usually stripped bare in under a minute. Then it’s time for the women to strip - down to leotards, sports bras or even underwear - to try on the gowns right on the sales floor.
If it doesn’t quite fit, a seamstress can do the trick, and the bride can still come out way ahead. But what happens if a petite bride found she pounced on a size 14 dress in pink chiffon instead of a size 4 in white satin? That’s when the real fun begins, as the women start bartering to find the right designer or size. It’s a ritual that turns Filene’s Basement into an old- fashioned bazaar.
Filene’s Basement is on Route 7, across from Tyson’s Corner Center. The sale hours are 8:00am to 9:30pm. There is free parking all day. Checks, credit cards and cash are accepted; all sales are final. For more information go to and click on “Bridal Event.”
CONTACT: Patricia (Pat) Boudrot
617-680-3485 or 617-348-7273
Filene’s Basement, Inc.

Retail