Look up before you walk in. The Portsmouth Public Library's local history collection has a 2014 photo of The Ritz Formal Wear at this Chillicothe Street address, captioned as the former Wolff Building, with the Wolff name lettered in stone along the top. Chillicothe Street has long been the city's main retail street.
The store thinks big. The Ritz describes its selection as one of the largest of prom, pageant, bridal, bridesmaids and homecoming dresses in the tri-state area of Ohio, Kentucky and West Virginia.
A prom wall built on big names
The Ritz names these prom designers. Homecoming adds a few more lines.
Prom designers at The Ritz
Added for homecoming
- Rachel Allan
- Sophia Thomas Designs
- Ritz Exclusives
The store says its Ritz Exclusives are dresses, gowns and formal attire that no other store can offer.
The finishing pieces stay in the building too. The Ritz sells what it describes as exclusive one-of-a-kind accessories, along with jewelry and shoes. The staff's stated aim is personal service and individual attention, helping each shopper land the dress, the accessories and the shoes as a set.
Scioto County and Kentucky-side schools nearby
Portsmouth High School and Notre Dame High School are the in-town schools. Across Scioto County, Wheelersburg, Valley in Lucasville, Minford, Northwest, West and Green all hold their own proms. Greenup County High School, Russell and Raceland-Worthington are across the river on the Kentucky side.
Prom shoppers can walk in during regular hours. The store's by-appointment rule applies only to The Ritz Bridal Suite, a private room where brides get a dedicated team member for the visit.
For families in this corner of far southern Ohio, The Ritz sells the gown, shoes and jewelry and rents the tux.
The date's tux comes from The Ritz as well.
Men's formal wear
Rentals at The Ritz
Occasions
Prom, weddings and special occasions
Matching
A prom date dressed to match the gown just picked out
Groups
Special offers and discounts for group rentals and wedding parties
The Ritz special orders a new rental tuxedo for every client, in the style, size and color you select.
The Ritz states that policy for its tux rentals.
Prom Questions About The Ritz
Does The Ritz have dresses no one else carries?
Yes. Its homecoming lineup includes Ritz Exclusives, which the store describes as formal attire that no other store can offer.
Will The Ritz coordinate a tux with my gown?
Yes. The Ritz rents tuxedos and suits and can dress you to match your prom date, with a new rental tux special ordered for every client.