Wilmington is a Route 66 town on the Kankakee River, a good way south of the big suburban malls. Prom Avenue gives families in this corner of Will County a close-to-home option: a small shop carrying the kind of designer list you would expect from a much bigger store.
The store's own website menu tells the story. Under its designer tab, Prom Avenue lists more than twenty labels.
- Adora
- Aleta
- Alyce Paris
- Amelia Couture
- Andrea and Leo
- Ava Presley
- Cinderella Divine
- Clarisse
- Dancing Queen
- Faviana
- GLS
- Jovani
- Juliet Dress
- Landa Splash
- Mac Duggal
- Nox Anabel
- Rachel Allan
- Sassy South
- Shail K
- Stella Couture
Jovani and Mac Duggal cover the statement gowns, Clarisse comes with both prom and homecoming lines, and Cinderella Divine includes its La Divine styles. Prom gets its own section sorted by color, from black and gold to yellow, and homecoming has a matching one.
How shopping here works
No appointment is needed. According to the store's FAQ, nobody has to arrange to meet at a particular time.
The shop is open about its size.
In the shop
What is hanging on the floor
- Limited space, so not every dress on the website is here
- Call or text before ordering to check inventory
From the warehouse
Ordered if the designer has it
- Confirmed within 48 to 72 hours whether your style, color and size can arrive in time for your wear date
- Prom and homecoming orders can take 8 to 12 weeks to arrive
If you have your heart set on one specific gown, send that text first. The store's prom tips page also advises shoppers to plan on alterations, noting that almost everyone needs something tucked, shortened or adjusted. All sales are final, in the store and online, including shoes and accessories. The accessories counter covers earrings, necklaces, clutches, petticoats and shoes, so jewelry, a clutch and heels can be picked out alongside the gown.
The shop has a playful streak too. Its Pink Carpet page invites customers to send in their prom-night photos, and a page called Giggles collects readers' funniest prom mishaps.
Who makes the trip
For students at Wilmington High School, this is the home-town option. Reed-Custer High School in Braidwood and Coal City High School are close neighbors, and Minooka Community High School and the Joliet schools sit to the north for anyone in south Will County, Illinois who wants to compare a deep designer list without heading into the Chicago suburbs. The store's About page sums up its pitch:
We're an authorized retailer for all the designers that we feature and guarantee that our products are authentic with high quality.
Ordering and returns at the Wilmington shop
Can I return a dress or accessories bought at Prom Avenue?
No. All sales are final, in the store and online, and that covers shoes and accessories too. Since floor space is limited, a call or text to check stock before ordering saves guesswork.
How early should I order a prom dress there?
Give it months. The store's prom tips page says ordered dresses can take 8 to 12 weeks to arrive, so start looking well before the dance.