The Running of the Brides

October 20, 2006 (WPVI) -- It's a dress sale - but you probably know it better as "the running of the brides".

It's happened elsewhere, but this was the first time for our area. The running of the brides pits hundreds of women against more than a thousand gowns that are marked at discounts almost beyond belief.

Every year Filene's Basement stores across the country host a mad dash to get designer dresses with deep discounts. Now, the madness comes to our area! At the Filene's in Springfield, Delaware County, the intensity is building for those brides-to-be that are waiting in line for their chance at a bargain.

The brides and their teams lined up well before dawn. Just before 8am, store workers took up their stations. 1400 bridal gowns lined the racks, not sorted by size, style or price. Some had original price tags of 9-thousand dollars. Their sale prices, 250, 500, or 700 dollars.

No need for dressing rooms here. Most of the brides wore sports bras and shorts so they could try the dresses on right in the middle of the store. And try on they did!

The dresses that don't sell go on to another city where other dresses are added to the mix. The hope is that just as each of these brides found a perfect mate they'll find a perfect dress as well.

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