Teenagers preparing for their end-of-year proms shopped for pre-loved outfits when a pop-up shop returned to Brentwood.
The Baytree Shopping Centre’s Pre-Loved Prom Pop-Up Shop invited young people to browse and select prom attire free of charge.
The event, organised in collaboration with Key Lime PR & Marketing, Brentwood Connected, and Radio Essex, featured both new and pre-loved outfits.
Over the course of the weekend, 130 young people were supported. Some travelled from as far as Manchester.
This brings the total number of teenagers supported over the past two years to 350.
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Maria Kyriacou-Edwards, centre manager at The Baytree Shopping Centre, said: "We are so proud to see the continued success of the Pre-Loved Prom Pop-Up Shop. It’s an incredibly special initiative that truly embodies the power of community.
"Seeing so many young people leave feeling confident and excited for their prom is what it’s all about, and we’re already looking forward to making it even bigger next year."
The shop catered to both boys and girls, ensuring everyone could find a suitable outfit.
A network of 28 volunteers, including individuals from local businesses, friends, and family members, contributed 392 hours over two days to make the pop-up shop possible. Their efforts created what organisers described as a supportive, uplifting environment for attendees.
The Baytree Shopping Centre extended its thanks to partners and supporters who helped bring the project to life.
The initiative was backed by Curvy Brides’ Boutique, Dress2Party, Press On (Dee Creases), Glam Events by D.K, Laundry & Latte, Silhouette London, T.M.Lewin, Helen Rollason Cancer Charity, Billericay Services, N.Shelley, Sal’s Shoes, Rewritten London, Asda Community Champions Programme, Set for the Show, Beauty Banks, Buckingham Fine Art, Clarks Shoes, Phillip Kingsley, and Associated Floorcoverings.
Organisers now hope to grow the project further next year with continued support and community involvement.
Ms Kyriacou-Edwards said the pop-up shop was a clear example of “the power of community,” with everyone coming together to support young people. She said, "we're already looking forward to making it even bigger next year."
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