Clarksville has had Danielle's since 1996, and the version of the store families visit now dates to 2007, when Jess and Tiffany Jordan took it over. They have expanded the building three times since then, to more than 7,000 square feet, and a good share of that space was laid out with prom in mind. The shop counts nine prom dressing rooms, a separate social occasions salon, and its own homecoming section, all on West Clark Road in the Johnson County seat.
For a town of Clarksville's size, that is a lot of fitting-room capacity, and it changes how a spring Saturday goes. Girls from Clarksville High School, Lamar High School a few miles east, and Ozark High School across the county line in Franklin County can try on at the same time without a long wait for a curtain to open.
Prom shopping at Danielle's, walk-in style
Wedding-gown shoppers book two-hour appointments. Prom works another way. Danielle's keeps a single line for prom shoppers, and it settles the question before anyone books.
No appointments are needed for Prom.
That makes the store an easy add to a weekday after school or a Saturday errand day. The store's own advice for its quieter visits is to come on a weekday, Wednesday and Thursday especially, when the floor is calmer and staff have more time to pull styles.
The prom racks draw on a long list of collections:
- Sherri Hill
- Ellie Wilde and Ava Presley
- Amarra
- Morilee prom
- Jovani and JVN
- Alyce Paris, La Femme and Colors Dress
- Sydney's Prom and Tease Prom
Rachel Allan also appears on the store's designer list. Many long homecoming dresses can be tried on in the store. Prom gowns are a floor-and-fitting-room purchase.
Alterations, layaway, shoes and a date's tux
Alterations are done here, at an additional charge and by appointment, so a hem or a strap adjustment does not mean finding a separate seamstress. The store's sizing advice is useful for prom: designer charts vary, and when measurements land between sizes, ordering the larger one leaves room to take a gown in.
Danielle's offers layaway, and every gown must be paid in full before it leaves the building.
In-stock gown
25 percent down
- Held on layaway with a deposit at purchase
Special order
50 percent down
- The deposit a special order takes
Visa, Mastercard and Discover are accepted. All sales are final, which the store describes as standard for special-occasion apparel.
Shoes and undergarments are sold in the same visit, and a date's tux rental can be handled by the same staff on West Clark Road.
Shoes
Pink by Benjamin Adams, Dyeables, Touch Ups and Coloriffics
Undergarments
Bra pads, stick-on bras and slips
Tuxedos
Through Jim's Formal Wear, which Danielle's works with
The business draws from across the Arkansas River Valley. Families from Russellville High School and the Pope County schools to the east, and from the smaller Johnson County towns, reach it along I-40. Clarksville is also home to the University of the Ozarks, so formal season here is not limited to high school dances. Danielle's gives this stretch of the Arkansas River Valley a full prom floor of its own.
A few house rules shape a family outing.
Dads and gentlemen
Seating at the front of the store, with a view of each dress on the open floor.
Younger siblings
Welcome, staying with an adult and holding that adult's hand, since delicate gowns stand on forms and mirrors line the walls.
Photos
Allowed once a gown has been selected, as many as you like.
The Jordans' expansions are visible in how the store is divided. Prom has its own run of dressing rooms, bridesmaids have eight more, brides have private suites, and the social occasions salon handles everything in between. With separate rooms for each department, a prom shopper has her own space on the floor. The current owners have run Danielle's since 2007, and each of their three expansions added room on the floor.
Questions about Danielle's in Clarksville
Can I bring food or drinks while I try on gowns?
No. Food and beverages of any kind are not allowed inside the store, so finish the drive-through order in the car.
Does Danielle's sell homecoming dresses in the store?
Many of its long homecoming styles are available to try on in Clarksville.