VIDALIA, La. – After 14 years in business, the bridal shop known as Billie’s has left downtown Natchez and is now putting down roots in the heart of Vidalia. The store, which sells and rents wedding dresses, other formal dresses and tuxedos, was forced to move when their building at 420 Main St. in Natchez was sold, said owner Billie Forman.

&uot;We’ve been at 400 Carter St. for a couple of weeks now, and we’re open for business – although we are still getting organized,&uot; Forman said with a laugh.

Forman is quick to point out that she was not dissatisfied with her accommodations in Natchez. Still, she said that the store’s new location, the former Levee Club building, also has its advantages.

&uot;The building is only about half as big as the one we had in Natchez, but we’re on the main drag in Vidalia, so we have a lot more exposure, and it’s convenient for people to get to,&uot;&160;Forman said.

&uot;And we have lots of parking spaces – 20 spaces for us alone,&uot;&160;said Forman’s daughter, B.J. &uot;Stinky&uot; Evans. &uot;In downtown Natchez, people didn’t have as many places to park. It’s the best move we ever made.&uot;

This is not the first time Billie’s has moved, however. Prior to the most recent move, the store had moved to several different locations within Natchez.

Getting settled in Vidalia is not the only change Billie’s is undergoing.

Soon, Evans will take over at the store’s owner, although Forman said she will not be completely out of the picture. &uot;I’m not exactly retiring – I’m still going to work … just not as much,&uot;&160;said Forman, 70.

The grand opening will be April 18.