Special Occasions is local one stop shop offering a wide array of formal attire for weddings, proms and much more and this year marks their 25th anniversary in the community.
Cherie Hyams, the store’s owner, says her journey into the formal attire business started over 25 years ago when she was on the hunt for some pageant dresses for her daughter. Hyams says she had to go out of town in order to find dresses, and after her daughter outgrew the dresses, folks wanted to buy them.
After seeing the community’s interest, Hyams says she went to Atlanta to market and buy more dresses. When Special Occasions first opened, the store focused on selling pageant dresses, but when Hyams’ step daughter and her friends needed prom dresses she expanded the business.
Special Occasions even further expanded to include bridal attire, tuxedos, shoes, jewelry and more. As the store continued to gain more merchandise, Hyams says she purchased the neighboring property in order to physically expand the store.
Since opening the store, Hyams says she has witnessed many changes in the formal attire industry. In 2000, Hyams says online shopping was not prevalent and many stores did not have websites. Then during the COVID-19 pandemic she says some of her attire providers shut down.
Throughout the store’s tenure, Hyams says she has provided formal attire for multiple generations of families. She thanked her family, friends, high school workers and the community for the support, and says she couldn’t have done it without them.
To celebrate 25 years of business, Hyams says on Saturday and Monday the store will have special discounts, door prizes and much more. Special Occasions is located at 1204 Liberty Street in Hopkinsville.
