After more than 40 years in business in Palmerton, VK Bridal is moving to Walnutport.

"People have said they will miss our windows," said Vicki Klotz, owner of VK Bridal. She admits she gets a little sad about the move, but reminds herself that bigger and better things are ahead. "Everything happens for a reason."The building that houses her store has been for sale for a few years; she knew that. She also knew that when it sold, she might have to move. But when it happened, it was still a surprise. The news came in November, and she plans to open in her new location on Jan. 2. The Palmerton location will close on Dec. 23.The bridal shop was originally opened by the late Margaret Ann "Peggy" Cebrosky in the building where it sits today in Palmerton. Known as Ann Margaret's Bridal Boutique, it moved up the street for a time, but returned to that same location, Klotz said. She bought it from Cebrosky about six years ago.When Spillane's Fitness recently opened next door, she and her staff were happy to see a new business in town and thought it might even bring a few patrons their way. After all, women coming there might need a fancy dress, see their shop and stop in.Plans change."It will be sad to lose them. It's never a good thing when a long-established business leaves the town," said Jeff Hager of Hager Furniture next door. "We certainly wish them the best. They were very nice people to work next door to."Peter Kern, president of the Palmerton Chamber of Commerce, said he was surprised to hear of the move."I'm sorry to see them go. They've always been an attractive location on Delaware Avenue," he said. "We wish them well in their new location and encourage people to seek them out there."Coincidence or blessing, it was quite fortunate for Klotz that her new location was discovered just when she needed it most.Klotz said she and her staff were planning their Christmas windows and found the idea online for the tree dress. They hunted for their gold Christmas balls, but couldn't find them, so Klotz said she would just go buy some more. It was on that shopping trip that she saw a "For Rent" sign in a building near Kmart in Walnutport."I just feel it was meant to be," she said.The new store is on Route 145 with good visibility and a parking lot, including handicap spots. It is two stories and newly remodeled with hardwood floors. Klotz said the building has plenty of space with divided spaces to provide a more private shopping experience. There will be a room for the bridesmaids, mothers of the bride and flower girls; another for proms and special occasion dresses; one for tuxedos, and the largest room for the brides."Everybody's been positive," Klotz said. "We are excited about the move."Klotz said they have to be quick, because they still have weddings to take care of and a bridal show to prepare for on the second weekend of January at Lehigh University.All of her patrons have been notified of the move, and all of the dresses she is storing for them will move to the new location. They don't have to pick up their dresses because of the move."Some girls don't have a place to store their dress, so they leave it with us," she said.But the dresses that are for sale don't necessarily have to move to the new store. Selected styles are on sale. There is one row of wedding dresses on sale for 40 percent to 70 percent off. And there are bridesmaids, mother-of-the-bride dresses, prom and holiday dresses on sale for up to 50 percent off.