December is the month to circle at First Impressions. The Jacksonville store says most of its prom inventory arrives then, and it calls December through January the very best window to shop, when the full run of styles, sizes and colors is on the floor. Some families begin as early as November. Shopping early, the store adds, is how girls avoid designer sellouts, which is worth remembering for anyone with a spring dance at Jacksonville High School, Cabot High School or Sylvan Hills.
First Impressions markets the Madden Road building as Arkansas' largest prom and formalwear superstore, with thousands of dresses in sizes 000 through 32W. It sits on Madden Road in Jacksonville, the city that is home to Little Rock Air Force Base, within reach of families in Pulaski, Lonoke and White counties across central Arkansas.
Prom labels, plus sizes and the exclusives
The 2026 prom collections listed on the site cover most of the names a junior has been saving on her phone. Sherri Hill leads the homepage, and the menu adds Amarra, Ashley Lauren, Ava Presley, Jessica Angel, Johnathan Kayne, Kate Parker, Ellie Wilde, Primavera Couture, Portia & Scarlett, Alyce and both the couture and prom lines from Rachel Allan. The store also names Jovani and Mori Lee among its designers.
Plus-size shoppers get a section of their own, built from Johnathan Kayne's plus line, Rachel Allan Plus, Sydney's Closet and Tease, and the store describes its plus-size prom selection as one of the largest in Arkansas.
What sets the store apart, by its own account, is a set of gowns made only for First Impressions. The FAQ explains how that works.
First Impressions works with the top fashion designers to have custom gowns made for our store that are not sold online and will not be found in any other store in our state.
For a girl who worries about matching someone at her own prom, an exclusive is about as safe as a store-bought gown gets.
How a Saturday at First Impressions goes
No appointment is needed on Madden Road, and a full team of trained formalwear consultants works the floor, so a shopper is not left alone among thousands of dresses.
Arrival
Right at opening on weekends and in peak prom and homecoming season, for shorter waits, more room and first pick of the day.
Photos
Four backdrops are set up for pictures. Cameras are not allowed in or around the dressing rooms, for customers' privacy and safety.
Finishing touches
Jewelry, shoes and accessories are sold on site, so the look can be completed before leaving.
Paying
Cash purchases get a 5 percent discount.
Seasonal hours
Sunday hours added in February, March, late August and September; extended hours in September, February and March.
Tuxedos are part of the same visit, and a couple can settle the gown and the tux on the same Saturday without a second stop.
Tuxedos
Rentals through Jim's Formalwear
Reserve
Four to six weeks ahead of prom
Fit
Top brands in slim-fit and classic cuts
Measuring
In the store, for each customer, renting or buying
Younger boys
Junior prom attendees and ring bearers
Homecoming runs on a shorter clock. The store suggests shopping six to eight weeks before the dance, launches new arrivals through the fall, and keeps earrings, necklaces and clutches near the short dresses. A September homecoming trip also gives a first look at the floor before the December prom arrivals.
The racks go well past prom. Short homecoming dresses come in the same 000 to 32W range, the quinceañera department carries gowns in sizes 0 to 30W along with crowns, gloves and hoop skirts, and the little girl pageant section runs from infant sizes through youth 16. Beebe and Lonoke families shopping for a quince and a prom in the same year can handle both at one address, and special orders are available on quince gowns when a size or color is not in stock.
What Jacksonville shoppers ask First Impressions
When does the new prom stock arrive?
Most of it lands in December. The store recommends shopping between December and January for the widest choice.
What is an exclusive style?
A gown made for First Impressions by one of its designers. It is not sold online and should not turn up at another store in Arkansas.
How far ahead should a prom tux be reserved?
Four to six weeks before the event, according to the store, and earlier in the busiest prom and wedding weeks. Measurements are taken at the Jacksonville shop, and the team checks that the rental will be ready in time.