Highgate bridal gown shop Hobnob to close after 32 years

Popularly known around Perth as Mrs Hobnob, Irene Davies is hanging up her wedding gown after 32 years clothing WA brides in stunning dresses on their special day.

The popular bridal shop on Beaufort Street in Highgate is closing its doors at the end of July and is marking the occasion with a sale offering half-price gowns, jewellery, veils and accessories.

Hobnob says on its Facebook page the end of an era sale is its “final toss of the bouquet” and customers can “catch a dream dress for a wedding song”.

The business has survived changes in the bridal gown market over the past three decades, adapting to the growth in online shopping, the popularity of second-hand dresses and a trend away from more elaborate frocks.

It also survived a fire in December 2015 that started in two wheelie bins at the rear of the property in the middle of the night.

Mrs Davies said at the time it was a “miracle” that the fire did not reach dresses on hold for future brides-to-be.

“That was my main worry, my brides,” she said.

But at 76 years of age, Mrs Davies has decided to retire the business after being unable to renegotiate her lease with the landlord.