Sherri Hill is the headline label at Jewel's Formals, and the store says it is among the largest Sherri Hill retailers in the Carolinas. The shop has more than 10,000 square feet of showroom space on South Third Street in the heart of downtown Smithfield, and it has dressed prom shoppers since 1991.
Jewel's is a third-generation, family-owned boutique, and the owners count it among the largest and most trusted formalwear stores in the state.
What is on the floor
The showroom is built for prom, pageant, homecoming and special occasions. Alongside Sherri Hill, the store's designer lineup includes ASHLEYlauren, Ava Presley for both long prom gowns and shorter cocktail styles that double as homecoming dresses, Jessica Angel and Tarik Ediz. The store also groups gowns by look, with collections for bows, corsets, prints and ruffles.
Long gowns run from 000 to 26 and cocktail dresses from 000 to 18, all in the store.
The store also keeps a clearance section.
Jewel's also outfits pageant contestants. Jewel's no longer registers prom dresses, but it does register pageant gowns, so no other contestant buying from the store appears on stage in the same dress.
How the store works
The store answers the usual first-visit questions this way.
Appointments
Not needed; walk-ins are always welcome. In prom season, paid private appointments with a senior stylist run before and after regular hours.
Busiest times
Saturdays and public holidays from December through April. Weekday visits mean shorter waits for a dressing room.
Guests
Two or three, which keeps the dressing area comfortable; one can join you inside.
Layaway
Full-priced dresses, 25 percent deposit, no minimum payment schedule, balance due within 90 days.
Alterations
Staff refer you to a trusted alteration specialist near you, since there is no in-house seamstress.
Rentals
Not offered, since most gowns need personal alterations and designer contracts rule out renting.
Returns
Good to know: all dress, accessory and layaway sales are final.
Nearby schools
Smithfield-Selma High is the closest high school. Other schools in the county include West Johnston in Benson, South Johnston in Four Oaks, and Cleveland and Clayton High on the western, faster-growing side of the county. All of them are in this part of central North Carolina.
Come see why generations have trusted Jewel’s for their most special moments and find the dress that makes you shine!
That invitation comes from the store.
Two more Jewel's Formals details
Which dresses does Jewel's Formals register?
Pageant gowns. The store registers them so no other contestant buying from Jewel's appears on stage in the same dress. Prom dresses are no longer registered.
Can Jewel's Formals help with alterations?
Yes, by referral. Jewel's has no seamstress on staff, so it will point you to a trusted alteration specialist in your area based on where you live and what your gown needs.