CHAD PLAUCHE-ADKINS The Marietta Times Darla Kemp shows Addison Herb a prom dress for sale on Friday at Threadz.

There is a new option in Marietta for women and girls to get formal attire at a discount price.

Two weeks ago, Threadz, at 179 Front St., began selling new and used prom and homecoming dresses on consignment. Darla Kemp, owner of the store, said she has been happy with the community’s response to her businesses’ new offerings.

“When we announced it on social media, it got over 100 shares on the first day,” she said.

Kemp said there wasn’t really any chance for people to purchase dresses in Washington County for the last few years, and she was happy to fill that void. She also said that the dozens of dresses available at her store aren’t only affordable, but are the brands that people want.

“Sherri Hill dresses can go for $800 new,” she said. “We have several in stock that cost around $200 or less.”

Kemp said it’s become commonplace for a lot of high schoolers to sell their used dresses online. But she said that can cause some issues.

“A lot of people are uncomfortable with going to a stranger’s house to try on a prom dress,” she said.

She said her store offers an inviting environment for people to try on multiple dresses until they find the one that’s just right for them.

Addison Herb, 16, is a student at Marietta High School and was purchasing her prom dress on Friday at Threadz. She said she initially happened upon the dresses by accident.

“I walked in here one day and noticed them in the back of the store,” she said.

Herb agreed with Kemp and said buying a dress in the store is much better than finding one on the internet.

“It’s nice to be able to try them on,” she said. “When you order them online you never know if they are going to fit or not.”

Kemp said she offers a wide variety of both prom and homecoming dresses and some still had their tags on them.

“We even have two of the same dress,” she said. “A girl needed one size bigger and the place she bought from online didn’t accept returns.”

With prom season just around the corner, Kemp said she is ready and willing to help girls purchase her dresses and sell last year’s edition that’s in their closets. Kemp said she does charge 25 percent of the cost of the dress to put it in her shop, but the price is set by the individual, not her.

“Sometimes they put a very good price on them just because they want a quick sell,” she said.

Kemp said there are a few conditions if people want to have her sell their dresses on consignment.

“They do have to sign a small contract, and the dresses need to be up to date,” she said. “It’s very important to me that they come from a smoke-free home.”

For more information about purchasing or selling a dress on consignment, visit Threadz Facebook page or call 740-447-4142.

At a glance

•What: Prom and homecoming dresses for sale on consignment.

•Where: Threadz at 179 Front St.

•Hours: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday.

•For information: Visit Threadz Facebook Page or call 740-447-4142.