Meet: Party and Prom

Party and Prom opened their doors back in 2014, when owner Hazel Hallett realised there was a gap in the local market for a specialised prom dress shop.

“It all started when my daughter couldn’t find the prom dress that she wanted. I looked around Norwich and found that there were no shops specialising just in prom wear, despite it being a growing market, so after doing lots of research I opened my own shop called Party & Prom in the centre of Long Stratton.”

Party and Prom stocks a wide range of dresses to suit all tastes, styles and budgets, from tailored fitted gowns, to floaty chiffon dresses and sophisticated mature gowns all from sizes 2- 26.

“I am probably the biggest stockist of special occasion wear in Norfolk and many of my customers are prepared to travel for over an hour to take advantage of this as well as the warm welcome and attention that they receive when they visit.”

Party and Prom not only stocks prom and occasion wear, they also sell shoes, clutch bags, jewellery and accessories so you can always find what you’re looking for to make the occasion perfect.

Unfortunately, Party and Prom has been affected by the Covid-19 pandemic, especially when Hazel was forced to close the doors back in March and didn’t reopen them until June.

“Appointments stopped completely and customers who had already ordered or reserved a dress were not able to collect them. As my business is a face-to-face, by appointment service it could not be adapted to operate differently. In addition, all events that require a special dress were cancelled and permission has yet to be given to re-introduce big gatherings.”

However, Party and Prom continues to adapt to these new times by ensuring all of its customers and staff are safe and abiding by the new social distancing regulations.

Consequently, there are few appointments available to allow for cleaning and sanitising of surfaces and customers are now asked to only bring one guest with them to an appointment and are also required to wear masks throughout the appointment. Any dresses that are tried on during an appointment are quarantined before being steam cleaned and sanitised before they can be returned to the rails.

“Business has been slow to pick up since reopening due to the uncertainty around the holding of events and most schools haven’t yet rescheduled dates for their cancelled Prom. However, large gatherings and school proms will return and many parents want their daughters to experience the ‘right of passage’ that prom offers and are happy to spend money on such luxuries.”

Despite the current way things are, Hazel knows that her business will bounce back thanks to her loyal customers and fantastic service.

“Women will always want to dress up and look their best at special events despite the economic state of the country. As I operate by appointment only customers know that they have the shop to themselves and therefore have my full attention to help them find their perfect dress with no distractions and without strangers milling around. They also get a warm welcome and service with a smile and without judgement!”

To check out Party and Prom for yourself, be sure to head to their website www.partyprom.co.uk, and find their social media accounts to keep up to date on all things party and prom.