Steve & Barry's plans to close all of its stores

After months of struggling to stay afloat, Steve & Barry's has announced the liquidation of its 173 remaining stores across the U.S., including one in the Charleston region.

The company filed for bankruptcy in July but was later bought by investment firm BH S&B Holdings.

The new owners had planned to close just 97 stores and keep the rest open, including a North Charleston location at 5101 Ashley Phosphate Road and two others in Columbia and Greenville.

No more. The going-out-of-business sales are expected to last from five to seven weeks, according to reports.

The retailers, known for touting low-priced trends from celebrity designers, pulled out of its locations in Murrell's Inlet, North Augusta, Rock Hill, Sumter and Camden earlier this year.

Wedding announcements

Wedding bells are ringing on Spring Street. Bridal boutique Maddison Row Bridal Chic has moved from 45 Hassell St. to 171 Spring.

Owned by Laura Kirkman, Maddison Row carries bridal gowns and cocktail attire from the likes of Vera Wang and Carolina Herrera. Kirkman says she relocated because she wanted a larger space with more visibility and customer parking.

Also, Copper Penny Bridal has changed hands and names. Sarah Black recently bought the Mount Pleasant boutique and changed its style as well. The salon is now called Belle Couture Bridal.

Brides won't find snobbery served with champagne and white gloves. Instead, Black said she takes a more relaxed approach to selling couture gowns, likening her store's atmosphere to rifling through a girlfriend's closet.

Located at 280 W. Coleman Blvd., Belle Couture Bridal offers 20 gowns each from designers such as Claire Pettibone, Melissa Sweet and the Vineyard Collection. Dress styles suit a range of ceremonies, including casual beach nuptials and formal church weddings, Black said.

Retail radar

Souped up: Suzie Allen is adding a third location of Ladles Soups. The soup and sandwich shop is set to open Dec. 5 at 100 W. Richardson St. in Summerville. Other locations are on Bees Ferry Road in West Ashley and Freshfields Village on Kiawah Island. By mid-2009, Allen plans to open two additional diners in Mount Pleasant and in North Charleston.

Coming ashore: Pirate-themed restaurant The Buccaneer will open its doors Dec. 1. The restaurant at 5 Faber St., will be operated by the Neighborhood Dining Group. The menu calls for local seafood paired with Southern staples like she-crab soup and fried green tomatoes.

Reach Bridget Herman at 937-5582 or bherman@postandcourier.com.