Vera Wang Scraps £300 Appointment Fee In New Bridal Store

The introduction of an appointment fee in her new Shanghai store was controversial

Vera Wang has abolished plans to make customers pay an appointment fee after the charges prompted widespread criticism in China.

It came to light this week that clients at the new Shanghai bridal flagship were required to pay 3,000 yuan (£317), to try on wedding gowns. The cost included a 90-minute fitting session and afternoon tea with a consultant.

But the news caused much criticism on the Chinese Twitter equivalent, Sina Weibo.

A staff member at Vera Wang’s Shanghai store justified the fee before it was abolished, saying: 'A lot of high school and college students were coming here and weren’t serious about buying a wedding dress so that’s why we started the fitting fee.

'We just wanted to make sure we were serving the right customers, and the [fee] is then redeemable off the purchase price of any gown.'

But now, in response to the furore casued by the policy, Vera Wang has decided to scrap the fees. She told WWD: 'Upon careful investigation and review of the policies of our international operators, we will be abolishing appointment fees in all of our stores.

'We wish for all Vera Wang customers to enjoy the same standard of excellence worldwide. Treating our customers in a fair and equitable way remains a priority. The store in Shanghai has only been open to private VIP preview appointments. The official opening to the public will take place on April 29.'

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VERA WANG S/S 2013

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