Groovy Girlz is a clothing and accessories boutique on Landis Avenue with a kids' section and a playful streak. It also books private prom appointments. The store introduces itself simply on its About page:
We are a family owned business with fun and funky clothes and accessories.
That personality carries into prom. Groovy Girlz is a small, family-run boutique, nothing like a giant formalwear warehouse, and it sets aside dedicated time for prom and homecoming shoppers, and it sells those dresses in person, by appointment, rather than off a website.
How the prom appointment works
Prom appointments are booked online through the store's site, and the details are posted right on the booking page, along with one request. Shoppers are asked to arrive without makeup, self-tanner or lip gloss and to wear proper undergarments, which protects the gowns for the next person.
Prom
A free appointment of about 55 minutes
- Up to two guests can come along with the shopper
- Dresses start at $150 and go up from there
- Sizes run from 00 to 25
- Prom and formal dresses are final sale, with no returns or exchanges
Homecoming
Its own appointment type
- Dresses listed at under $500
- Shoppers need to come with an adult
The appeal of this setup is focus. In a small shop, an appointment means the floor and the staff are working on your dress, not juggling a dozen walk-ins. A calm first look before the spring rush is a good way to begin the search.
Shopping for prom from the island
Sea Isle City does not have its own high school. Its teenagers attend Ocean City High School, along with students from Upper Township and other nearby towns, so the Red Raiders' prom is the one most local families are shopping for. The boutique is also a reasonable trip for Middle Township High School, Lower Cape May Regional High School and Cape May County Technical High School families.
Getting there is easy outside of summer weekends. From the Garden State Parkway, Sea Isle Boulevard carries you over the bridge and straight onto Landis Avenue, the town's main commercial street. Prom season falls in the quiet months before the summer visitors arrive, so parking is rarely the challenge it is in July.
Browse the everyday racks while you are there. Groovy Girlz stocks everyday clothes and accessories for all ages, kids' clothing, and gift cards, and it runs special events such as character glam sessions for younger kids. If a younger sister tags along to a prom appointment, there is a good chance she leaves wanting to come back for her own visit.
For anyone in Cape May County, New Jersey who wants a personal, unhurried prom appointment close to home, start with the text line Groovy Girlz lists online.
Prom basics at Groovy Girlz
Does Groovy Girlz sell prom dresses?
Yes. The boutique books free 55-minute prom appointments through its website, with dresses from $150 and sizes 00 to 25.
Are Groovy Girlz prom dresses final sale?
Yes. Prom and formal dresses cannot be returned or exchanged, so take your time during the appointment.