Homecoming season is finally here, and that means The Prom Shoppe is buzzing with business.
The shop offers many different styles by a large selection of designers. From long, short, mermaid, to ball-gown, the Prom Shoppe provides dresses of all colors.
“[The Prom Shoppe’s] main focus is Homecoming and Prom, but they do have less fancy [dresses],” said OH senior and Prom Shoppe ambassador Madi Young.
Homecoming is an exciting time for many Oswego students, but all festivities can also bring stress. The Prom Shoppe’s smart strategy of helping customers choose their special dress or tuxedo helps students feel great in their own skin, while also making the event less stressful.
“They are so friendly and welcoming,” Young added, “and you get to pick your dresses, you get to look at them, [and] pick your dream one.”
Young, who became an ambassador for The Prom Shoppe, shared that she truly enjoys working for the business, which frequently posts clothing on their Instagram account.
“And it’s just such a fun and good experience, especially for freshmen that are going to Homecoming or [for] seniors, [because it] is your last Homecoming, so it’s really cool.”
Originally opening in 1977 as American Male, the now-renowned Prom Shoppe has been around for business in Oswego for many years. The shop was originally owned by the Kaleel family, but in 2025 was handed over to couple Gabby (an OH alumni who graduated in 2003) and Mike Plachetka.
“It’s been there forever, and this is kind of just like a home,” OH senior Morgan Fauth stated. “A bunch of family and friends work there.”
Fauth also added, “I’ve been going there for all the years I’ve been here, and I’ve been there with my cousins who have shopped there as well.”
The shop has been described as a warm and inviting place, a place that makes any shopper feel special and excited to find their dream dress in the large variety of options they have.
OH senior and Prom Shoppe employee Drew Harvey shared, “It’s so rewarding to help people be so confident in the dresses, and I think that’s the most important part.”
There are many ways that the Prom Shoppe brings people together. Whether it’s working at the shop, signing up to be an ambassador, or simply becoming an occasional customer.
“I think everybody there, we’ve built the strongest friendships and relationships,” expressed Harvey. “It’s just, like, unbreakable and I think even the customers that come in can see that.”
