JACKSON’S Animal Rescue is opening a new bridal and wedding boutique selling pre-loved items.

Jackson Animal Rescue, which rescues and rehomes animals in Wirral and across Merseyside, announced that it would be opening a “new type of shop” in early 2025.

Founder of Jackson’s Animal Rescue, Steph Baines, said the idea to open a bridal and wedding shop was born out her own personal experience when she recently got married.

She told the Globe: “I really struggled to find a dress for a few reasons.

“Firstly, I didn't want to spend thousands of pounds on a dress to wear for a few hours, I wanted something more sustainable, but didn't fancy buying from eBay or marketplace.

“Secondly, bridal shops scared me! I had a few bad experiences and really didn't enjoy it at all.

“Brides who may be a little alternative looking, non-traditional, or perhaps neurodivergent find the "bridal experience" very daunting and intimidating, and personally I was made to feel like I didn't belong in those shops.

“I desperately wished I could find somewhere that was friendly, welcoming to everyone and sustainable.

“I also knew that so many people want to give their dress to a good cause, but struggle to know what to do with it.”

The boutique will be opening on Egerton Street in Wrexham between February and March next year and is currently accepting donations of wedding dresses, bridesmaid dresses, mother of the bride, occasion wear and accessories including hats, fascinators, artificial bouquets, and shoes.

Steph said: “The Bridal Boutique is a sustainable, environmentally friendly solution to wedding dress shopping, that will be incredibly welcoming, friendly and accessible to everyone.

“We are in the middle of writing our policies and procedures with inclusivity and accessibility at the forefront.

“The shop will be wheelchair accessible with rails in changing rooms.

“We will offer many different shopping styles to suit different customers such as time for browsing, or private pre- booked appointments.

“We will offer customers the chance to tell us all about themselves before their appointment if they wish to, with a pre appointment form.

“This gives them an opportunity to inform us of any additional needs, or just their likes and dislikes.

“There will be no pushy sales representatives, and we will have options such as securing dresses with a deposit, in case of impulsivity and customers worrying about changing their minds once they leave the shop.

“We have spent so much time reading stories, forums and blog posts from brides and what they wish to see in the bridal industry, and we are trying our best to create the perfect shop from this. 

“And of course, it all supports animals. Donating a wedding dress is huge help to supporting rescue animals in need.

“At this time, the demand for our service is overwhelming with so many animals needing our help, and the money raised from the sale of a dress could be enough to neuter four cats.

“Shopping at our bridal store is also a huge support, and a great way to keep a wedding budget friendly, and sustainable.”

People will be able to drop off donations at Jackson’s Animal Rescue Hoylake, Wrexham and Shotton stores.

Drop off points:

Hoylake shop. 112 Market Street, open Monday - Saturday 10:30-5

Wrexham Shop. 3A Egerton Street, open Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturday 10-5

Shotton Shop, 50 Chester Road West, open Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays 10-5

Steph added: “We can also collect from Wirral, North Wales and surrounding areas. To arrange collection please message the Bridal Boutique Facebook page or email bridalboutique@jacksonsanimalrescue.co.uk.”