Mums help teens to find their dream prom outfits for free at pop-up shop

TWO Essex mothers have supported teenagers with their community prom shop.

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After going through the prom experience themselves with their teenage children and the spiralling costs involved, Amanda Watkins and Karen Brooks decided to help out.

Over the course of four days, youngsters were able to browse the rails at the Prom Pop-Up Shop in Brentwood, and try on as many dresses and suits as they wanted, until they found their dream outfit.

The experience was entirely free, and completed with changing spaces, full length mirrors and dressmakers on hand to ensure the perfect fit.

Originally planned as a one-day event, spaces quickly filled up and the shop was extended to two days, then a further weekend to make sure all those who wanted to attend could.

Amanda said: “When my youngest had her prom in 2022, I, like many parents, spent more than £500 on her dress. But like most prom dresses, after a few hours wearing it, it went back in the cupboard never to be worn again.

“The following year I got married and my three daughters had gorgeous prom-style dresses as bridesmaids - yet again, these went back in the cupboard.

“I knew what a waste this was and that there would be many people out there who weren’t in a financial position to spend that money, so I kept the dresses to work out how I could use them.

“The idea then came to me that so many other people also must have dresses like this, and if I could get them to donate we could help so many families. The idea of the prom pop-up was born.”

A callout to the local community via social media brought donations in their hundreds, many brand new with labels still attached, with an estimated combined retail cost of more than £100,000.