SINCE 1920 Walter Davis in the Bridge Mall has been the place to go for brides and debutantes looking for the perfect dress.The well-heeled must now make their way to the Block Arcade in Doveton Street as the iconic frock shop has relocated. Walter Davis’ owner Wilma Vervoort said she had been looking for a new location for the business for a few months.“We personally think the shop in the Block Arcade is a better option for the business,” Ms Vervoort said.She said it had been a difficult decision as the original store is in a “beautiful, beautiful building.”With less space at the new premises, Ms Vervoort said she was looking forward to starting fresh.“We will still have the same customer service, the same bridal wear, debutante dresses, formal and day wear as we always have,” she said.Ms Vervoort and her assistant Rhiannon Bee hope to have the new store in shop three and four in the arcade up and running for trading today. Titheridge Real Estate’s Ross Titheridge said the Bridge Mall shop, still owned by the Davis family, was on the rental market. Walter Davis started the business, one of the oldest in Ballarat’s history, 91 years ago.Walter Davis migrated from Lebanon and was a hawker selling goods to country areas before opening the boutique.Although originally quite small, the store sold ladies’, mens’ and childrens’ wear as well as manchester, carpets and other household furnishings.He left the business to his son Ronald who, with his cousin Bernice Batrouney and her four daughters, carried on the name.Over the years it became a fashion store, catering to women of all age groups, and known for its upmarket fashion, bridal gowns, debutante dresses, hats and accessories.The Davis family sold the business in 2004.Ronald’s widow, Wendel Davis, said around 1935 the store was extended and the art deco facade and windows added. “I’d like to see the store front kept, but that may not be possible,” Mrs Davis said.“It’s a lovely shop inside and could lend itself to something requiring a bit of charm.”