HELENA — On Friday, President Trump put a hold on the proposed tariff increase on Chinese imports, which was supposed to go into effect on Tuesday.
Because of lace and silk imports, bridal shops across the nation are on edge as they wait to see when – or if – this proposed increase will be enacted.
“In the women’s clothing department, we are hoping to be given an exception,” said Linda Campbell, the owner of Linda’s Bridal Images in Helena. Campbell is already taking measures to prepare if President Trump’s proposed tariff increase is put in place.
Campbell says, worst case scenario, if those number were to go up, customers would see a big impact.
"A $1,000 dress would become a $1,500 dress,” Campbell said. “So that's big, that's a mark-up that we just can't afford."
Linda has signed several petitions from the International Bridal Manufacturers Association to make bridal shops an exception to the tariffs.
She has also been in close contact with her vendors, and feels at this time because of the precautionary measures she has taken, there is no need to panic.
“It's great to know that our vendors already are saying ‘relax, it's okay, we've got you, we understand,’” Campbell said. “They need us just as much as we need them. So, it has kind of helped calm my nerves quite a bit. I am not really concerned right now."
Linda says, if you are engaged and looking for a wedding dress, come into the shop, try the dresses on, and don't fall victim to online counterfeit dresses.
In the long run, Campbell says you'll be spending more money to fix that dress, than you would, coming into the shop and picking one out in person.
