Designer Dress Shop Opens

ZuZu’s Petals has opened its doors in Prince’s Hill Place on County Road.

No, it’s not a florist. It’s a designer dress shop that has been a familiar place on the East Side of Providence for 22 years. And in East Greenwich and Cranston for more than four years each.

“I’ve wanted to open a store in Barrington for a long time,” said Lois Hollingsworth, the owner of the chain. “We already participate in the FBLA fashion show at the high school.”

Hollingsworth describes the Barrington store’s styles as classic designer dresses and gowns, including runway designs such as Nicole Miller, Milly, Tibi, Shoshanna and Susana Monaco.

“We touch on the trends, but we don’t dive into it,” she said. “We want you to be able to wear it for an event and then wear it again. We’re into longevity.”

The RISD graduate said: “I’m into beautiful dresses in beautiful fabrics. Day dresses and evening dresses and gowns, including prom gowns.”

Hollingsworth said she already has Barrington customers in her other stores. Now they just have to drive down County Road to the storefront between Vision Care and Persimmon Provisions and just down the sidwalk from Prestige Cleaners.

You’ll probably notice that her exterior sign only says ZuZu’s – Petals is missing.

“We have gotten phone calls in the other stores from people who want to order a dozen roses,” she said. “I decided I didn’t want that here.”

The name actually comes from the classic Christmas movie, “It’s a Wonderful Life.” George Bailey’s daughter’s name is ZuZu. He pulls flower petals from his pocket in the famous bridge scene near the end of the film. They are ZuZu’s petals.

Store hours are Monday through Friday from 11 am to 6 pm, Saturday from 10 am to 6 pm and Sunday from 12 to 5 pm. Click here to see ZuZu's website.