PHOENIX — Strangers and business owners are rallying behind dozens of families who told 12News they felt scammed after a quinceañera boutique store suddenly closed its doors.
On Oct. 13, Oh La La by Posh announced on social media that the store near 16th Street, north of Indian School Road, was no longer in business. The store was emptied out and no refunds were made, which meant dozens of families were left without the dress they had ordered and had been paying for, in some cases weeks before their big days.
Brenda Zazueta is one of the people stepping up to the plate to help the families impacted. Last summer she went all out for her daughter's quinceañera.
The $1,800 pink dress they bought in California was only used once for the special occasion. The dress has been in storage since then, but Zazueta wants to change that.
“If someone likes this dress, it’s free they can take it,” the mother said. “Me and my daughter were looking to donate the dress for someone who really needs it, so we said, ‘Oh okay here’s the opportunity to do so.’”
Other businesses and boutiques are also offering to lend a hand.
MORE DETAILS: Quinceañera boutique suddenly closes, leaves dozens of families and teens without dresses
“I was devastated for these girls,” said Claudia Marquez. “You just don’t run off with the girl's dream and their dresses.”
Marquez owns Mi Bella XV in Glendale. She offers a $400 to $600 discount on new dresses, payment plans, less than two-week delivery, and dress hoops and quinceañera bear to affected families. Seven families have already reached out, she said.
Goddess Bridal Boutique is offering to make custom dresses with no upcharges or store fees for those with events at least 60 days out.
“If they have something drawn up or this is the idea of what I want to look like, we can have those things custom-made for them,” Sarah Tyree, the bridal boutique owner said. “Whatever we can do, we’re here for the community.”
Oh La La by Posh is owned by Renne and Martha Cuellar. They also had Posh Bridal boutique in El Paso, Texas. That store also suddenly closed on Oct. 17. A sign posted on the door said the locks were changed due to lack of rent payment.
Other businesses also helping families affected in Phoenix are Bella Moda Quince, Divas Quinceañera, Princesas Reales, Glamour Boutique, and Elisa’s Quinceañeras.
Anyone interested in Brenda Zazueta’s dress, which she is giving away for free, can reach her via email at BZazueta09@gmail.com. Other people are offering to donate or sell their gently used dresses in a Facebook group created to help the affected families.
VERSIÓN EN ESPAÑOL: La comunidad se solidariza para ayudar a las adolescentes que se quedaron sin vestidos después del cierre abrupto de una boutique para quinceañeras
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