Although the most read articles on this blog are product reviews and information departments or new items, I still have fun with what I would call my “nonsense” posts. One thing I like to write about are why Costco could be a good place for different events ((Pros and Cons of Holding Passover Seders at Costco); (Why Costco would be a good place for a dinner party); (On a Road Trip? Stop at Costco!); (Benefits of a nearby Costco on a beach vacation: Part 1 of 2); (Benefits of a nearby Costco on a beach vacation: Part 2 of 2); (Living at Costco: seasonal benefits)). I obviously do not think that Costco will actually be used for the events but it’s fun to think about.
My high school only had a junior prom. I know many schools either have both junior and senior proms or just a senior prom. My town decided that there were so many senior activities that prom would be a special event for the juniors. The school also planned an all- night party for after the prom as a way to provide a fun option for people and reduce the likelihood that students would drink and end up in dangerous situations. I actually don’t remember much about the prom (despite what a big deal it all seems at the time). Honestly, the dress and getting my hair and make-up done was the best part. However, from what I do remember (and from what I know about proms in general), I thought about how Costco could be a good place to hold a prom and after party.
10 Reasons (I almost always write 10 reasons…it seems like a good even number) to Hold the Prom at Costco
1. No Stairs
Dressing up for prom was the best part for me. I loved my dress, getting my hair and make-up done, and overall feeling like a princess. (As someone who spent most of the time wearing sneakers and athletic clothing, it was a change). Although not extremely high, the heels on my shoes were definitely higher than my usual shoes or sneakers. I was not particularly comfortable with high heels. Therefore a benefit to the prom being at Costco is that there are no stairs to navigate in high heels. In addition, the concrete surface of the warehouse is flat and sturdy, making it a good dance surface.
2. Mirrors
Many people like to admire how they look when dressed up. Costco has mirrors in the clothing section. Therefore, students can look in these mirrors both to admire how they look and to see if they need to fix clothing, hair, or make-up.
3. “Goldilocks” Bathroom Situation
The bathrooms at Costco are “just right” for an event like a prom. They are not too small to accommodate the bathroom needs of many people. Nor are they so big that they would encourage people (most likely females) to stay in the bathroom chatting rather than being at the prom itself.
4. Food
Obviously Costco has ovens and food and could cater the event. There are options:
First, Costco could serve the typical food court items (Costco food courts around the country and the world); (Out for lunch…at Costco?)) and rotisserie chickens (Costco Questions); (Costco Surprises); (How Costco Gets Members to Spend More); (An assortment of Costco facts (Part 1 of 2))). Are these items fancy and typical of an upscale event? No. Are they likely to be the preferences of many high schoolers? Yes. Second, Costco could add “doctor” some of the food court items (e.g., add fancier toppings to pizza) and serve salads and frozen meals (e.g., lasagna; ravioli). Third, Costco could serve fancier food (e.g., salmon; steak; salads; pasta). For dessert, Costco could serve platters of cookies, chocolate covered strawberries, and an assortment of cakes. The store also has plenty of bottled and sparkling water, soda, and juices.
5. Advertising
Costco does not spend any money on advertising (An assortment of Costco facts (Part 1 of 2)). However, that does not mean that it cannot benefit from positive “word of mouth” information. Hosting the prom and after party is nice and perhaps students would then encourage their parents to join after seeing the store and some of the offerings. In addition to potentially gaining business, Costco is not losing much business because they close relatively close to the time the prom would begin anyway.
6. Limos
At my school, most students rented limos for fancy prom transportation (one of the big sources of stress was deciding on which people would share the limos). Costco has a large parking lot, so there is plenty of space for the limos to pull up, drop the students off, and then stay.
7. Prom “First Aid Kit” Products
I don’t like carrying small bags or purses. I rarely go places without a backpack but I don’t like carrying bags in my hands because I worry I will leave it behind. However, backpacks don’t exactly belong at formal events and most women being handbags. One benefit of Costco is that they carry many of the items people might want. There are inevitable dancing mishaps (think high school boys showing off). Costco has plenty of Neosporin and bandaids. People will want fresh breath and Costco has a lot of mouthwash.
8. Air Conditioning
Most proms take place during the Spring, as the school year comes to an end. Therefore, the weather is generally relatively warm. In addition, there are many people dancing in close proximity, making it likely that the room will be warm. Therefore, the strong air conditioning in Costco will be helpful for the comfort of those at the prom.
9. After Party Options
My school held its after party in a local fitness club. Options for activities included swimming, a bouncy castle, caricature drawing, lots of food, and a lot of other activities that I can no longer remember. Costco has a lot of space and therefore spaces for different entertainment options. For example there could be spaces for a) movies, popcorn, and candy, b) a variety of contests, c) ice cream sundaes, d) additional dancing, e) reading (for those who are “forced” to be there), f) talking, and others.
10. Reassurance for Parents
Prom night has a reputation for being trouble for many students. Parents certainly want to feel that their children are safe. It is hard to imagine too much trouble at Costco.
What do you think? Costco may not be the fanciest location for the prom but it has advantages, doesn’t it? Any other benefits of holding the prom and after party at Costco?
Cruising Costco 