Dress shop wonders about impact of Regina graduation banquets being cancelled

Businesses that rely on selling grad dresses could be taking a big hit in sales if an alternative to graduation banquets isn’t found.

Regina Public Schools indicated earlier this week primarily because of cost, all high schools across the city would not be having banquets anymore.

For Nadia Williamson, the owner of NWL Dress Shop, the decision could potentially impact her. She revealed she’s already ordered graduation dresses for the girls, estimating the yearly event makes up about 20 per cent of her business.

Maybe more important than that is the personal thrill Williamson and her staff get when girls try on dresses. For many, they’ve never done it before.

“It’s kind of their first time ever trying on gowns and pretty dresses, so it’s a really cool experience in the store, really magical actually because the families come, the sisters and brothers, the parents are there. It’s a neat experience that they’ve never really experienced before,” she explained.

Schools are raising the possibility of having something like a reception or a prom, a student-only event that’s easier to oversee and manage compared to a banquet with families.

Even though nothing is concretely in place at this time, Williamson remains confident that high schoolers will come together and demand some sort of celebratory, formal event occur.

“I think ultimately it’ll be up to the grad girls. They’ll speak up. Whatever they want I think is what they should have.”