Size 000 through 32. That range does more to explain Unique Boutique than any slogan. Pikeville is the seat of a big mountain county, and a family that drives in from the far end of it wants the right size on the rack when it arrives. The boutique sits on Hibbard Street in the middle of downtown Pikeville and sells prom and homecoming gowns, tuxedo rentals, formal shoes and a large case of jewelry, with bridal gowns in a private room by appointment.
The prom floor is the heart of the shop. The store advertises Eastern Kentucky's largest selection of prom and homecoming gowns, and the names on the racks are big ones: Sherri Hill, Ashley Lauren, Johnathan Kayne, Ava Presley and Sydney's Closet, with more arriving every season. Its wedding gown designers include Stella York and Morilee.
A prom visit on Hibbard Street
Walk-ins are welcome for formal wear. Bridal fittings are the part of the business that runs on appointments, so a prom shopper can come in after school without booking. One customer review notes that the staff lets shoppers browse on their own instead of hovering, and another points out how many sizes and styles there are to try.
Tuxedo rental happens in the same building, which helps a couple who want their colors to match. Rentals come with quick turnarounds and styles for prom as well as wedding parties. Shoes for both the dress and the tux are on the floor too.
If a style on the floor is not there in the right size or color, ask about a special order. Special orders work like layaways, with a 30% deposit to start. Homecoming gowns share the floor with prom, so the fall dance is a good chance to learn how the store works before the spring rush, and to try on a few silhouettes without the pressure of a deadline.
A few buying details are good to know before you put money down.
Sales
All sales are final, with no refunds, exchanges, returns, store credits or switching gowns after purchase.
Prom layaway
Three months for prom and homecoming, six months for bridal. A 30% deposit starts a layaway or a special order.
Layaway payments
Due monthly. If the balance is not paid within the layaway period, the dress goes back into inventory and payments are not refunded.
Alterations
Not included in the price. You pay the seamstress separately, in cash, and the balance on a layaway must be paid before alterations start.
The three-month prom window means a December layaway is paid off by March, ahead of the alteration rush. Pike County proms come quickly after that. Pike County Central and Pikeville High are the biggest schools in the county, with Shelby Valley, Belfry and East Ridge close behind, and all five are public schools within Pike County. Families from the neighboring counties make the trip in as well, since the store serves eastern Kentucky and the surrounding area.
The shop sums up its aim in a single sentence.
Unique Boutique is proud to provide Eastern Kentucky and the surrounding areas with formal wear and accessories worthy of the red carpet for your next event.
Unique Boutique Pikeville questions
Can I get a prom dress altered at Unique Boutique?
Yes, through the store, though alterations are not included in the price. You pay the seamstress separately, in cash, and a dress on layaway must be paid in full before work starts.
Does the shop carry formal shoes and accessories for prom?
It does. There are formal shoes for men and women, plus a large jewelry selection, so the shoes and earrings can be chosen with the dress in hand.