New business owner Stephanie Knoppe was born and raised in Poplar Bluff. She has been a licensed real estate agent in the area since 2010 and serves as the president of the board for the Poplar Bluff Historic Train Depot.
Knoppe has now added a new business to her plate and the historic downtown area of Poplar Bluff — The Prom Closet.
It is located at 211 S. 5th St., which was formerly home to Bluff Barbershop.
According to Downtown Poplar Bluff Inc., Director Morgan McIntosh, they were heartbroken to see the barber shop of more than 50 years close its doors.
“She (Knoppe) has come in and done an incredible job with it. It looks beautiful and we’re very excited that it’s being used again,” McIntosh said. “This is a wonderful addition to downtown.”
It’s a great local, said Greater Poplar Bluff Area Chamber of Commerce President Steve Halter.
“There is a big need for it in our area, and she is such a great person. She loves downtown and is very involved in all things Poplar Bluff,” Halter said.
Knoppe is adamant about her intentions to remain in the historic downtown area.
“If you go to other areas, dress shops and boutiques are a niche for the downtown area,” she said.
She never had any desire to open the store anywhere else, she said.
“It has always been the downtown. No matter what, if we expand and grow and have to move to a different location, it will still be downtown,” said Knoppe. “I hate to say baby steps, but we have a ‘now’ plan and an ‘as we grow’ plan, looking into the future and trying to plan ahead.”
The dresses Knoppe carries are all used and range in price.
“We do a great consignment split and try to keep things fair,” said Knoppe.
Knoppe said her daughter, Madison Hockersmith, is a senior this year and will be assisting her with the dress shop.
“I’m doing it for the community, but also trying to teach her what a career is,” Knoppe said.
Hours will vary, but current plans are for: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Mondays; 3-7 p.m. Wednesdays; 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturdays; and 12:30-4:30 p.m. the first Sunday of every month.
Knoppe said she is happy to make appointments outside of normal hours and can be reached at 573-429-8441. More information can be found about The Prom Closet by visiting https://www.facebook.com/The-Prom-Closet.