Witney bridal and menswear company dissolved after 114 years

Keates of Witney, which later traded as Blossom Bridal & Formal Dress Store, was officially dissolved and struck off the register on June 16.

The company was originally established as an independent menswear store trading in the heart of Witney Market Square in 1912.

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Over its 100 years, it expanded to also sell to the bridal market.

The old premises of Keates of Witney in the town’s Market Square, where it left in 2023 (Image: Google)

In 2019, then-manager of Keates, David Ferriman, announced the menswear department of the store would have to shut due to a ‘decline in support for shops on the high street from the general public’.

The men’s formal hire and Blossom Bridal & Occasion Wear continued trading on floors one and two of the shop in Market Square, but moved to a new premises in Carterton in December 2023.

This premises was called Blossom Bridal, focusing on the women’s retail side of the business, still trading under the same name, but with new management.

However, less than two years after the move, in June 2025, the new store announced it, too, would have to shut.

Blossom Bridal & Occasion Wear at the premises in Carterton it moved to in 2023, before its closure two years later (Image: Google)

A statement from the shop at the time said: “Due to rising operational costs and increasing online competition, we have made the incredibly difficult decision to close our doors.

“Our final day open to the public will be August 16.

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“We want to extend our deepest gratitude to every single person who has supported our small business over the years.

“Whether you found your dream dress with us, hired a suit, or simply cheered us on — thank you from the bottom of our hearts. You’ve made our journey truly special.”

The company, Keates of Witney, was officially dissolved via voluntary strike-off on June 16, 114 years after the original shop opened.