Costumer Magazine, Spring 2024

By Kathleen Furore

NCA ADMINISTRATION

Board oF directorS

President

Terry Sinopoli

Arlene’s Costumes

1156 Culver Rd. Rochester, NY 14609 terry@arlenescostumes.com

585-662-9942

Term ends: 2025

immediate Past President

Pam Markel

Illusive Skull Costume Castle

1314 Morgantown Ave. Fairmont, WV 26554 docmarkel@aol.com

304-476-7927

Term ends: 2025

Vice President

Janine Caufield

Caufield’s

1006 West Main St. Louisville, KY 40202

Janine@caufields.com

502-727-5682

Term ends: 2024

treasurer

Louella Torrence

Drop Me a Line Costume Shop

3600 Catherine Ave. Allentown, PA 18103 dropmealine@rcn.com

610-360-5498

Term ends: 2025

director

Marion Bradley

Discount Costumes

1736 Watson Blvd Warner Robins, GA 31093 balloonsnpartiesinfo@ gmail.com 478-396-1204

Term ends: 2026

director

Calvin Coffman

Graftobian

510 Tasman St. Madison, WI 53714 608-222-7849

calvincoffman@graftobian.com

Term ends: 2026

director

Anne Dorsey

McCabe’s Costumes

4054 S. Memorial Dr. Winterville, NC 28590 mccabescostumes@gmail. com

Term ends: 2026

director

Courtland Hickey

Chicago Costume

1120 W. Fullerton Ave. Chicago, IL 60614 courtland@chicagocostume. com

773-528-1264

Term ends: 2025

director

Dwayne Ibsen

Ibsen Costume Gallery 4981 Hamilton St. Omaha, NE 68132

402-556-1400 Fax 402-556-5727

ibsencostumes@ gmail.com

Term ends: 2024

director

Brandon Lilly

The Life of the Party 4025 S. Mason St., Ste B. Fort Collins, CO 80525 brandon.lilly@goodsforgeeks. com

970-414-0857

Term ends: 2025

executiVe director

Ed Avis

National Costumers Association 708-218-7755

executivedirector@costumers.org

Buyer member Benefits: Courtland Hickey, Chicago Costume

Vendor Benefits: Terry Sinopoli, Arlene’s Costumes membership recruitment: Brandon Lilly, The Life of the Party revenue: Louella Torrence, retired

Publications and Publicity: Janine Caufield, Caufield’s nominations and awards: Marion Bradley, Discount Costume

Bereavement, disaster and grievance: Janine Caufield, Caufield’s

History: Dwayne Ibsen, Ibsen Costume Gallery and Pam Markel, retired

PRESIDENT’S LETTER

Hello my nca friends,

While the National Costumers Association is great for discounts and get-togethers, we are also here to help build your business and develop your business relationships. In this edition, we are focusing on “side hustles” like face painting and gaining value from the relationships with your vendors.

As many of you know, we at Arlene’s Costumes have a side hustle, airbrush face painting and temporary tattoos. We have been painting now for nearly 30 years. It started off as a way to connect with some of our buyers through theatrical makeup and has turned into a lucrative business of its own. We now paint for professional sports teams like the Buffalo Bills and the Buffalo Sabres, schools, corporate events, birthday parties and special events like the upcoming Total Solar Eclipse.

Strengthening relationships with our community has led to a strong customer base and the need to hire more painters — a good problem to have.

How do you strengthen the relationships with your customers? With your vendors? We just held the first day of the annual NCA Zoom Fashion Show. Did you attend or watch the video of the event? Did you ask questions? Did you contact the presenters after to thank them or request more information? These are just some of the first steps to developing good relationships with your vendors.

It was great to meet so many NCA members at the Halloween & Party Expo in Las Vegas in January. We made sure to stop by as many of our vendors as we could even if we did not have time to make specific appointments for them. Seeing each other face to face is such a great way to build that relationship and it really puts you and your business top of mind for that vendor, especially if you’ve asked for something specific or need help with a certain issue.

So now you have a little homework. It’s time to think about how you can strengthen your relationships with your vendors to gain the most value. Will you call them and ask questions, make an appointment to meet up, visit their showroom or even send emails back and forth to discuss new items? One of the best things that you can do to develop relationships for your business is take that first step.

I also invite you to become more of an active participant in the National Costumers Association this year. Like or follow us on our socials, join us for webinars and special events. This is YOUR NCA! Please help us make 2024 an amazing one for our organization and our industry!

Please report back and let me know how things are going for you and your business. terry Sinopoli, President National Costumers Association terry@arlenescostumes.com

Arlene’s Costumes

Rochester, New York

nca national Headquarters

ed avis

executive director

P.O. Box 13347 Chicago, IL 60613 708-218-7755

executivedirector@costumers.org

The Costumer Publications office

Ed Avis Associates

P.O. Box 13347

Chicago, IL 60613 708-218-7755

executivedirector@costumers.org

ad Sales

Ed Avis

708-218-7755

executivedirector@costumers.org

editorial inquiries

Kathleen Furore

708-267-0023

kfurore@yahoo.com

art director

Michelle Crisanti

michelle@mc2chicago.com

©2024, National Costumers Association. The Costumer is published by the National Costumers Association, Inc., with headquarters located at the above address, a nonprofit and incorporated association of costumers located in the United States, Australia, Bahamas, Canada, India, Ireland, Mexico, and Great Britain.

No responsibility is assumed for the opinions expressed or claims made by the authors of articles or by advertisers. Appearance in the magazine does not constitute endorsement by the National Costumers Association, nor its officers or representatives.

www.costumers.org

IN THE INDUSTRY

on-time delivery tops List of What Buyers Want from Vendors

The relationship costumers have with their vendors can significantly impact the success of both parties. During a February 8 online panel discussion hosted by the National Costumers Association (NCA), retail buyers and vendors discussed that relationship and how to make it better. Brian Clark, owner of Abracadabra in New York City; Dian Lowe, owner of Costumes Plus in Minneapolis; and Diana Maldonado, owner of Teatrocentro in San Juan, Puerto Rico revealed six of the most important things they want from the vendors with whom they work.

the line, I make higher orders than when I have to work with the system by myself and with a catalog,” Maldonado said. “And when you have a representative you care about — and you feel that representative cares about you — you market that product much more. We’re humans. We tend to sell the ones we like the most.”

Clark said he often finds products he might have overlooked thanks to a sales rep’s visit.

#1 on-time order deLiVery. Every panelist emphasized that the sooner product is delivered, the more they can sell.

“There are a lot of events that are happening in the city all the time, so people are coming in for dozens of random items at all times, so the longer I have them, the better,” Clark said.

Lowe agreed: “I like to get it as soon as I can. We prefer that because this time of year we’re slower, we have time to organize. We can actually sell more if we get it earlier.”

#2 unique P roductS. All NCA members have to compete with big box stores, online vendors and Halloween pop-ups. It’s hard to compete with them on price, so having interesting, unique products is essential.

“The uniqueness of products is key to us because that’s what actually sets us apart from Party City and the Halloween stores,” said Maldonado.

#3 a dedicated SaLeS reP. According to the buyers, this can make a big difference for the store and the vendor.

“There are times when you have questions that you need a vendor (to contact) you can relate with,” Maldonado explained. “If it’s just CSR number 27 today and the CSR number 46 tomorrow, it doesn’t create a relationship with the company. When you deal with one representative, you establish a nicer relationship and tend to order more because that person knows you and knows your needs.”

“When I have the representative coming and showing me

“I think the trendiness of certain products that might not be on our radar are brought to our attention. In turn, it helps the vendor because that increases the purchase orders,” Clark said. “Last year I bought from a company without a rep coming in. The year before, when the rep did come in and we sat at my desk and worked together, I purchased five times the amount that I did this past year.”

#4 accurate countS oF in-Stock itemS. This is especially important in September and October.

“When we get close to Halloween, that’s when I really like the B2B sites because when I need to reorder, I’m not spending a lot of time ordering product that the vendor might not have,” Lowe said.

#5 PromotionaL PoSterS. During the online discussion, one vendor asked what kind of promotional materials stores like to receive. Posters proved the most the popular choice.

“Posters are what we go for because they are easy to put up and they last a long time,” Maldonado said.

#6 i n-Store demoS. When a vendor visits a store and demonstrates a product, it often leads to sales, the panelists said.

“Any time there’s an opportunity to create an event and a buzz at the store, we’re definitely all about it for sure,” Clark said. “And it also helps educate too…that’s helpful.”

Marion Bradley, owner of Discount Costumes in Warner Robins, Georgia, who was not on the panel but attended the event, said demos show a vendor respects her store.

“If you are willing to offer a demo, I am willing to invest in your product,” she said.

A N NCA E XCLUSIVE

nca Welcomes new members!

We are delighted that the following businesses have become NCA members since November.

Buyer memBerS:

The Costume Party Store, Ledgewood, NJ

The Costume Shop, Russells Point, OH

Halloween Tyme, San Marcos, CA

Jay’s Party Shop, Yuma, AZ

The Magic Parlor, Salem, MA

The Nick Nackery, Evansville, IN

Rose Costumes, Denton, TX

Screamers Costumes, Clinton Township, MI

Sparkles Gift and Party Shop, Brooklyn, NY

Teddybeartoys, Laguna Hills, CA

Vendor memBerS:

Best Seller, Inc.

Buy4Store.com

Ivy Trading

Kurt S. Adler, Inc.

new Location Highlights 25th Birthday for a masquerade

It’s going to be a big year for NCA member A Masquerade in Redmond, Washington. The store recently moved to a new, larger location, and they are celebrating their 25th birthday.

“We are leaning into our gratitude for ongoing customer support that keeps our doors open,” says Kyra Stewart, who opened the store in 1999.

The store moved to the new location because its previous location was sold and will be torn down to create space for an apartment building. The new location is just two blocks away, and at 4,600 square feet, it’s more than 40 percent larger than the old spot.

“The new space used to be two dance studios and was originally a movie theatre before it was dance studios, so the layout and existing lighting covers multiple levels, creating more visual interest than our previous open-box single-floor space,” Stewart says. “One person said coming down the ramps into the center hub, cash wrap area, is like coming into a bat cave.”

The new store also has some flexible space that can be divided off from the main store. That space can be used as an employee lunch room and craft workspace during normal times, and the divider can be removed when more space is needed, such as when the store hosts workshops taught by local artists about FX makeup, cosplay, etc.

The larger space also means more room for interesting displays.

“We do have room for mannequins here, so it is fun to do more displays than we could in the previous location,” Stewart says. “In general, we have received lots of positive feedback from our regulars.”

Stewart now is looking down the road to the store’s future. The current location is also on the market, though she has a 24-month termination clause when the building is sold. She says newer buildings are charging twice or three times the rent, so she’ll probably downsize with her next location.

She also is working to focus her store on the more profitable categories and warehouse the rest.

“For example, we see biggest revenue in theatrical makeup and special effects makeup,” she explains. “Our year-round rental revenue comes mostly from ‘faire adjacent’ categories: pirates, barbarians, medieval, renaissance, wizards, alternative (gothic/Victorian) clothing, 18th century masquerade. Footwear is big for us, too, both sales and rentals. We need to box up the rest and warehouse it, to dig out when occasion calls.”

Whatever the future holds for her store, the NCA congratulates Stewart on a successful quarter century and wishes many more years of success!

A Masquerade celebrated 25 years in business with a mask give-away.

M EET A B OARD M EMBER

ca LV in co FF man g ra F to B ian

By ed avis

When Calvin Coffman was growing up, he always had the best Halloween costumes among his friends. No surprise, since his parents owned Clownin’ Around Balloons and Costumes in Middleton, Wisconsin, and Graftobian Make-Up.

“I was only two years old when they sold our costume shop, but I was in the store pretty frequently even after they sold it,” says Coffman, who now works for Graftobian in sales, manufacturing, R&D, and regulatory compliance. “I grew up around everything that we do now. I have early memories of bagging Disguise Stix, and I’ve known many of the people who work here my whole life.”

Coffman is putting his experience to work now as the new Vendor Director on the NCA Board. He was formally elected at the NCA Business Meeting on August 5 in Indianapolis. He replaced Gene Flaharty from Mehron.

a modeL cH i Ld

owners. He spent many hours packaging Graftobian character make-up kits and other products.

After high school he studied political science and business at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, though he continued working at the factory as time allowed.

“It was always my plan to come back and work here after college,” he says. “This is the business I’ve seen grow my entire life and I want to help in any capacity that I can to help it be successful. I can’t really see myself living in Madison and working somewhere else.”

Coffman is not the only sibling working at Graftobian. His brother Skyler is the vice president of operations and his sister, Jessica Chantigian, handles the company’s graphic design.

HoP ing to contri B ute to nca

Coffman says he ran for the NCA Board because he wants to contribute to the association and the industry as a whole.

Coffman knows the make-up business from both sides of the counter. When he was a child, he was regularly used as a model for Graftobian’s products.

“I remember one time we were in the factory building and recorded an airbrush tutorial,” he says. “I had an American flag airbrushed onto my chest. Then they took a photo of me in a muscle pose, and we put that on the back of our catalog for some time, saying ‘Proudly Made in the USA.’”

Were his buddies impressed that he was a catalog model? “Not particularly,” he says.

Coffman started working in the factory at a younger age than normally would be allowed, since his parents were the

“The NCA has been huge for Graftobian,” he says. “It was an NCA member who 45 years ago convinced my grandpa to get back into the business. We can really attribute the existence of Graftobian to the NCA.”

Coffman’s youth may be his greatest contribution to the board, he says. “The NCA is trying to attract new members, and perhaps I could have some input on what might attract younger members.”

Among Coffman’s first tasks as a board member was starting the new Vendor Council. This is a group of NCA Vendor Members who will help ensure that the NCA is serving the vendor community effectively. If you would like to contact Coffman, feel free to email him at calvincoffman@graftobian.com.

The Coffman brothers (l to r): Tyler and Calvin

Face Painting for fun and profit

By Kathleen Furore

Almost three decades ago, Terry Sinopoli and others from the team at Arlene’s Costumes in Rochester, New York, were attending a trade show when they saw Scott Morris of Morris Costumes demonstrate a new airbrush machine for applying makeup — a process only being used in Hollywood at that time.

“Scott was showing how you could use the machine to do stencils and explained you could use it on kids. It didn’t use acrylic paint, but makeup that was alcohol based and washable,” Sinopoli recalls.

That was the start of Arlene’s entry into the world of airbrush face painting and temporary tattoos, which this 60-year-old costume shop has been doing for more than 25 years.

The Costumer reached out to ask Sinopoli to share some of the secrets to Arlene’s success with that aspect of the business.

The Costumer: How did you decide to start doing face painting at events?

Sinopoli: We started working with entertainment companies and schools and the word spread that we were very good at not only the painting but at exciting the crowd and keeping everyone engaged. We worked with local soccer teams and our local professional lacrosse team after getting referrals from existing customers. Then we were hired

by an entertainment company on a contract basis to work with the Buffalo Bills at every home game in 2018. We were early for every game, the crowd loved us, and the designs were crisp, clean, and stayed on even during western New York snow and rain. The entertainment company unfortunately was not as good at their job, and we were called back the next season and hired directly by the Buffalo Bills — we’ve done every game since.

We also do several off-season events each year, including training camp for the entire 12 to 14 days each summer. The Buffalo Bills, Sabres (hockey) and Bandits (lacrosse) are all owned by the same company. They started sharing that we are great at what we do, so now we do business with all of them.

The Costumer: What is the process like? and what products work best?

Sinopoli: Our application process using airbrush guns makes our designs much more hygienic than traditional face painting. We use makeup, not paint, which is non-toxic, safe

Terry Sinopoli and Buffalo Bills fan

and FDA approved for application on skin — face or body.

We started out using Morris products and still use those a little bit. Now, the makeup company SOBA — ShowOffs Body Art — provides most of the paint we use. We use a hybrid product that is good for face and body painting. Our colorful designs can stay on for one to three days depending on skin type and care or can be removed with liquid soap, a little rubbing alcohol, or an oil-based makeup remover. Mehron also has makeup that you can water down and use as an airbrush product. You also could use regular makeup, but that takes more time — so you might have lines [of customers] and won’t be able to get to everyone.

The Costumer: How much do you charge for face painting and tattoos?

is one example. It is in its 126th year — it started out as a way to celebrate the flowers and turned into a food and entertainment event. We bring little two- to three-inch stencils and also offer half-face, arm and whole face designs. The small stencils are $5 per person, the half faces are $8, and a full face is $12. We do mostly kid stuff, and some popular designs are unicorns, dragons, and animals — and we don’t skimp on color!

The Costumer: you’ve been doing this a long time — you must find that it is worth the time and effort you and your staff put into it all year round.

Sinopoli: Yes! We started this with the idea, “Let’s promote our business a little bit and have some fun.” It has become a business builder and an income generator. It leads to a lot of other events like birthday parties and after-prom parties. People who come for the face painting and tattoos say, “Oh, you have a costume shop, too!”

Sinopoli: For the big events, the companies, organizations, and teams pay [a flat fee per event] and the people attending the event get the painting and tattoos for free. That accounts for about 98 percent of what we do. And we charge the same fee for everyone — we charge by the hour, and if an event goes longer than five hours, we negotiate the pricing. For smaller things like festivals, we charge per person. The Rochester Lilac Festival

The Costumer: do you have any advice for someone who wants to start offering face painting services?

Sinopoli: Start by looking for equipment that someone is selling. You can get an airbrush machine that uses a single air brush and keep pouring in different colors — but for kids, the more colors the better, so we took a chance and bought a set so

#125

Fresco #254

Lucille

#105 Saddle

#121 Fred

each color has a different brush. That way we can do 80 to 100 kids an hour — so if we’re doing an event at a school with 500 kids, it will take several hours.

Also do research on what you want to do, and what kind of products you should buy. We use makeup that is gluten-free and hypoallergenic. It’s also vegan — some people even want that in their makeup. Always make sure you know about what you’re getting.

Do you have pictures of face painting events your shop has participated in? Email pictures to Editor Kathleen Furore at kfurore@yahoo.com and we’ll feature them in upcoming issues of The Costumer!

Face Painting O PPO rtunities in Y O ur cO mmunit Y

Arlene’s Costumes has built a successful face painting and temporary tattoo business by tapping into local events. The most recent example is the 2024 solar eclipse. Because Rochester is in the path of totality on April 8, Arlene’s has created special stencils and designs and is even offering to create custom designs for a nominal fee to commemorate the event.

Don’t forget to consider the myriad opportunities your shop can take advantage of if you offer or are considering adding face painting services.

E Company picnics

E Birthday parties

E Holiday celebrations

E Pride events

E Summer camps

E Family reunions

E Graduation parties

E School festivals

Arlene’s called this “a great look for the Rochester Pride Parade.”

B USINESS B

How to tap the Value of your Vendors

By Ed Avis

Your vendors are your partners — they want you to succeed and sell more of their products! But sometimes you need to nudge them to get the support you deserve. Here are seven ideas to help you get the most from your vendors.

#1 get t H e diScountS you deSerVe. Discounts from vendors don’t magically appear — you need to buy strategically. First, before you buy anything, make sure you check the discounts available through the NCA’s two big discount programs, the Bundle Program and the Buyer’s Group (find info at costumers.org). Next, make sure you pay attention to deadlines. Many companies offer a better deal if you order way ahead of Halloween. They’ll still sell products later in the year, but if you order in January, February or March (or in some cases December), you’ll get better prices because early orders help vendors predict their manufacturing needs. Finally, pay attention to occasional NCA emails about other deals vendors are making. Sometimes they want to pump up sales of a particular product or line and temporarily provide a substantially better price to accomplish that. Don’t ignore those emails!

#2 aSk For marketing H eLP. Many vendors support sales of their products by providing marketing materials that you can use in your store or on your website. Posters, for example, can draw attention to products and categories. Video demos can be great, too, if you have TV screens set up in strategic spots in your store. In a panel discussion titled What Buyers Wish Vendors Knew (see page 6 for more details from this event), NCA member Dian Lowe from Costumes Plus in Minneapolis said she plays how-to videos provided by Scarecrow Vampire Fangs and Tinsley Transfers on TV screens in her store. And well-designed web assets — images of products with UPC numbers, for example — can make your website design process much easier. Not all vendors are sophisticated enough to supply these things, but you should ask.

#3 LeVerage your Vendor PartnerS’ media SucceSS. Did you see the news on www.costumers.org that Hollywood star Megan Fox used hair color from Manic Panic, an NCA Vendor Member, to create her Grammy look, or the Instagram post about Katy Perry using the company’s hair color? Or did you catch the CNN report about Halloween makeup that mentioned Mehron, another NCA Vendor Member? If you carry Manic Panic or Mehron, sharing these media successes on your store’s Facebook and Instagram page could help drive sales. Ask your vendors to share their media successes with you and pay attention to the news we share on www.costumers.org.

#4 aSk For in-Store demoS. Many vendors are happy to come to your store and do a demonstration of their products. This requires planning and space, of course, not to mention a commitment to stock the products. But in-store demos can be fun and create buzz. And they can be a great addition to a special sale event in your store.

For example, Chicago Costume included a demo from NCA Vendor Member Artemix, a company that makes temporary tattoos, during their big Halloween open house last fall. Attendees loved getting the free tattoos and the company’s presence added to the lively atmosphere.

#5 aSk For adVertiSing or P romotionaL doLLarS. It’s not common in our industry, but you may be able to persuade a vendor to help you pay for advertising if you include their product image in the ads. Large retailers routinely do this because they know that manufacturers see great value in having a big retailer promote their products.

Manic Panic touted its hair color with this Instagram post: @katyperry proudly rocking our Rockabilly Blue in the early 2010’s is our Roman Empire.

You probably don’t have that kind of leverage, but if you’re planning a big ad campaign, it can’t hurt to ask your suppliers if they’re willing to chip in.

Another common money-making practice of large retailers is “slotting fees,” which is money — or free product — that they demand from vendors in exchange for putting those products on an end cap or other premium location in the store.

Again, it’s not likely that a costume-industry vendor would consider this idea, but if you have a special place in your store that needs to be filled with product, why not ask?

#6 aSk For SPonSorSH i PS. Are you planning a “zombie walk” or a holiday parade in your community? Or a big Mardi Gras event in your store? Lean into your vendors for help. If they think an event will give them decent exposure, they might be willing to sign on as a sponsor or at least provide some free product that you can use and/or sell during the event.

#7 aSk For excLuSiVe P roductS and/or inFormation aBout comP etitorS’ Stock. Hopefully you noticed that Zagone Studios created three masks exclusively for NCA members two years ago, and still offers them. Likewise, HMS created some Santa accessories that only NCA member stores can sell. These products set your store apart from the competition.

When you are speaking with a sales rep, ask them if they have products that will not be sold in neighboring big box stores. Even if the vendor isn’t able to give you an “exclusive” item, they should share information about what products your store can carry that will set you apart. You don’t want to dis cover later that the Spirit Halloween store nearby is carrying the same line of costumes as you.

Ed Avis is the executive director of the NCA.

The Shop’ S Role: WhaT Will You Do in e xchange?

To really maximize your relationships with vendors — and get the leverage to ask for better discounts and other benefits — you should be willing to do something in exchange. Here are three ways you can play an active role in the retailer/vendor relationship:

Add A new cAtegory of products. Many NCA members succeed with toys, games, décor, party supplies and countless other non-costume categories. If you want to cement a partnership with a vendor or group of vendors, consider creating a new category and having those vendors be your primary suppliers in that area. Both sides will benefit — you may find new customers and/or bigger sales, and the vendors will discover a new retail outlet.

creAte A speciAl depArtment or section in your store. The Wizard’s Chest, an NCA member in Denver, has a games section and offers space for gamers to meet. Similarly, some NCA members have a special section devoted to the holidays. Several NCA Vendor Members, including Kurt S. Adler, Trick or Treat Studios and Ghoulish sell Christmas ornaments — and Kurt S. Adler sells an array of holiday items that includes nutcrackers, tabletop dioramas, and decorative lighting. A section devoted to these types of items could generate holiday sales — and the vendors whose products you feature will value your partnership.

consider Adding new vendors. The NCA has more than 50 vendor members, and most of them offer discounts through the NCA Buyers Group. And there are countless other vendors that are not (yet!) NCA members. So, if you’ve been buying from a half dozen vendors, you’re only scratching the surface of what’s potentially available. New vendors can bring fresh ideas to your store. And if you expand your selection to include products from smaller, lesser-known vendors, it’s likely you’ll be the only store in your community carrying those products….and those vendors will be grateful for your support and work hard to sustain the relationship.

B USINESS B ASICS

in-Store Workshops: a great Way to make your Store Shine

By Ed Avis

Are you looking for a great way to show off your store and the skills of your employees while bringing in a few extra dollars?

Then follow the lead of Christy Greenwood and Rob Fitz — they teach workshops in their costume shops. The events please customers, get their cash registers ringing, and raise the profile of the stores in the community.

“A lot of times holding the workshops encourages people to shop in the store, and it sets our store apart from others,” says Greenwood, owner of Theatre Garage in Edmonton, Alberta. “We really strive for people to know the expertise we have here, and hosting workshops is a huge part of that.”

WHat to t eacH?

There are dozens of skills that a typical costume shop owner could teach to the public, ranging from sewing to makeup to cosplay design.

One of the most popular workshops that Rob Fitz, owner of The Magic Parlor in Salem, Massachusetts, hosts is on makeup. That totally makes sense because Fitz is a veteran makeup artist for films.

“We’re going to do the classes in our new space, and when they’re looking around, they’re going to see all this shiny nice stuff,” Fitz says. “They’ll say, ‘oh, you know what? i think i need some of that, too.”— rob f itz, The

Magic parlor

“We do makeup workshops at the shop because we have all this makeup and it’s fairly expensive, really good stuff,” Fitz says. “I was like, You know what? If I show people how to use this stuff and make it look as good as if you’re on a movie set, I think I’d have more customers and people would say, ‘Oh, hell yeah, I’ll buy that. I want to make my costume even better.’”

Greenwood also hosts makeup classes in her store. Her special effects makeup workshops are particularly popular, she says. She was even able to host the makeup classes during COVID — virtually, of course — because teaching makeup application remotely is not as difficult as teaching sewing or costume design.

Both Fitz and Greenwood also teach other skills. Fitz says that a local guy who is an expert on fabricating armor and props from foam taught a course on that topic, and a friend of his who is a face painter offered a workshop on that skill.

Greenwood taps her network of local theater technicians to teach a variety of classes beyond makeup, ranging from wardrobe management to audio skills.

“We can hold workshops on just about anything we do in the theater, other than acting,” she says.

Attendees enjoying the results from their Makeup Class at The Magic Parlor

“at the beginning the workshops were more about getting people into the store and displaying the skill set we have, so we didn’t charge, but now we charge for all of them. i pay my instructors quite well, because really a major product of the workshops is the high-quality instruction.” — Christy Greenwood, Theatre Garage

WorkSHoP “ mecHanicS”

Besides the issue of what skills to teach and who will teach them, costume store owners considering hosting workshops need to think about timing, costs and other details.

Greenwood caps her in-store workshops at 10 people to keep them at a manageable size. She hosts a couple of workshops per month, which is down from a couple each week before COVID. The classes are not “master” level classes, she says, because they’re designed for the general public, but they are of high enough quality that attendees can learn serious skills. She says that most students like her workshops so much that they enroll in four or five of them.

Fitz’s workshops also have been fairly small, up to 10 people per class. Some of his workshops are single topic — how to create a faux gash on your face, for example — and others are multi-session courses spread over several weeks. He has rented a space above his store to comfortably accommodate the class, but he recently acquired the storefront beside his and will soon begin holding classes in that space.

Both Greenwood and Fitz charge fees for their classes.

“You always have to do a little charging,” Fitz says. “I

demonstrate something to the class, and then give them materials and have them do it. So, if they paid $100, they’d get the spatula and the materials and a little bit of makeup to use in the class and to take home. That way you’re automatically selling a whole bunch of stuff and you’re making a little bit for the knowledge you’re sharing.”

Greenwood has the same philosophy. “At the beginning the workshops were more about getting people into the store

Rob Fitz

and displaying the skill set we have, so we didn’t charge, but now we charge for all of them. I pay my instructors quite well, because really a major product of the workshops is the highquality instruction.”

aSSeSSing t H e adVantageS

The cash that comes from workshop fees is welcome revenue, of course, but there are other benefits.

For example, attendees sometimes are inspired to purchase more products after the class ends.

“We’re going to do the classes in our new space, and when they’re looking around, they’re going to see all this shiny nice stuff,” Fitz says. “They’ll say, ‘Oh, you know what? I think I need some of that, too.’”

“ i look at instagram, and some of these people are really good their little thing they do, and i figured, why not take that and bring them to the next level?”

— rob f itz, The Magic parlor

Another key benefit of holding workshops is that it builds the reputation of the store in the community and develops stronger relationships with customers. “Big box” stores like Walmart or Target are not teaching workshops on how to dress like a zombie or how to create a cosplay look, nor are Halloween pop-ups like Spirt Halloween. The chances that someone becomes a regular customer of your store are much higher when they already know your store as the site of fun workshops.

And finally, workshops are a great way to demonstrate that your store has staff who are highly accomplished in key skills. Who wouldn’t want to buy theatrical makeup, for example, from a store owned by someone like Fitz, who has regularly done makeup for movies?

“What’s interesting is that nowadays, people are a lot more sophisticated with their costumes and makeup than they were 40 years ago, they go all out,” Fitz explains. “I look at Instagram, and some of these people are really good their little thing they do, and I figured, why not take that and bring them to the next level?”

Ed Avis is the executive director of the NCA.

P RODUCT PARADE

amden Passage. This water-activated, 100 percent vegan Moon Professional Face & Body Makeup is available in 62 colors including regular, neon UV and metallic. Highly pigmented, quick drying and easy to remove, our formula is perfect for beginners and makeup artists alike. These premium-quality face paints give excellent coverage, are easy to apply and gentle on the skin. Starting at $4, in stock year-round, fast free shipping. 888-755-5578; camdenpassage.com; info@camdenpassage.com

The Pirate dressing. Two new dresses have arrived! The one-piece Lady Mary Dress with Net Collar is crafted of luxurious brocade fabric with satin underneath and offers a single front button for a refined look and gathered detail at the back for a flattering silhouette. The Seraphina Cottagecore Dress, a delightful embodiment of grace and comfort in the world of cottagecore fashion, is made of soft rayon fabric and features spaghetti straps, a drawstring above and below the bust area for a customizable gathered look, plus 2 side pockets. A perfect choice for customers seeking a harmonious blend of comfort and style. 323-284-7201; thepiratedressing.com; info@thepiratedressing.com

ellie Shoes. The 100-Hope is a Glitter PU Flat with a rainbow and cloud detail that will arrive in early March — just in time for festival season and Pride 2024! And don’t forget the 125-Bart, a knee-high men’s boot with side zipper closure and beautiful stitching details — great for Renaissance Fair season!

714-771-0015; www.ellieshoes.com

P RODUCT PARADE

disguise. Officially licensed costumes ready for your shop! We have the Nintendo Super Mario Bros. Elevated Classic Costume (#155449) with jumpsuit, hat and mustache in sizes S (4-6), M (7-8), L (10-12); Blippi (#161849) Classic Toddler costume with dress, felt glasses and hat in sizes 2T, 3T-4T, 4-6x; and the one-size-fits all adult Ghostbusters

Frozen Empire Slimer Adult Deluxe Costume (#164319) with padded tunic, mask and gloves. 858-391-3600; info@disguise.com; disguise.com

Loftus international.

Your customers can paint a smile this spring and summer while you simultaneously re-stock for Halloween! Perfect for face painting and a must have for cosplay, Mehron’s Paradise AQ water activated makeup line is available in over 40 matte, metallic and neon UV shades. With a wide selection of top-tier brands combined with low minimums, fast shipping, and great pricing, Loftus International carries everything you need to bring joy to life! 800-453-4879; media@loftus.com; loftus.com

P RODUCT PARADE

kurt adler. New Halloween and Christmas 2024 products now available! The 100-Light Orange Micro LED Holographic Jack-O-Lantern (HW1904) features a classic Jack-O-Lantern design with a holographic effect that adds depth and dimension to the pumpkin’s face, creating an eerie and captivating look. And the battery-operated 10-ft. 25-Light LED Fairy Lights (HW1694), available in orange and purple, make a unique addition to any Halloween decorations! For the Christmas holiday season, the traditional Glass Santa Head Ornament (T2290) with glittered beard makes a wonderful addition to any holiday décor or Christmas tree. info@kurtadler.com; kurtadler.com

noah & Zoie. All new for 2024 — licensed costumes from Super Simple and Ryan’s World (two of YouTube’s most popular preschool shows!). Rizzo the Monster infant and toddler sizes are printed knit jumpsuits with foam and knit hoods; the infant size includes snap-taped seams and booties. The Red Titan costume from Ryan’s World the Movie Titan Universe Adventure (movie coming later this year) is a printed knit jumpsuit with foil-print belt buckle, detachable satin cape, and foam mask. Available in toddler and child small sizes. 323.268.0220; customerservice@dgbrands.com; oahandZoie.com

NCA M ARKETPLACE

Advertising in the NCA Marketplace is $35 per issue (10% discount for NCA members). You will be billed upon publication; payment is due upon receipt.

For full details, see the advertising contract available at www.costumers.org. Contact Ed Avis at 708-218-7755 or pub@costumers.org.

BUYER ’ S GROUP

2024 nca Buyer’s g roup

A major NCA member benefit is the long list of discounts available exclusively to NCA members. Below is the list of companies that have pledged you these discounts, as of press time for the Spring 2024 issue (a more complete list will be available at www.costumers.org). Please be sure you write your NCA member number on all your orders to receive your discounts. Please also thank our Vendor Members for their unique support of the National Costumers Association.

AEROMAX, INC. (SILVER)

www.aeromaxtoys.com

877-776-2291 Fax 847-756-4091 jared@aeromaxtoys.com

Contact: Jared Heidenreich

Specialties: Career Oriented Dress for Kids and Adults alike

Discount: 5% off orders of $300; 10% off orders of $700; 15% off orders of $1,500+. Pre-paid orders $300 and over receive additional 2% discount.

Terms: Orders $2,000 to $3,000 get net 45; orders $3,001 and over get net 60 if shipped by May 1; net 45 if shipped after May 1. Orders under $120 require credit card payment. FOB Lake Barrington, IL 60010. No minimum order. Orders must be placed by 2/16/24 and shipped by 8/1/24.

BEST SELLER INC.

(561) 774-6655 keith@bestsellerus.com

Contact: Keith Zauder

Specialties: Halloween Makeup, Glow in the Dark Makeup, UV Makeup, Glitter Makeup, Special Effects.

Discount: 10% for orders of $2,500 and above.

Terms: Minimum order $1,000. Halloween dating November 10 with credit approval or credit card payment with additional 3% discount.

BLINKY

PRODUCTS (SILVER)

www.blinkyproducts.com

(212) 675-3790 thefeblandgroup@gmail.com

Contact: Nigel Febland

Specialties: We are specialists in the following items: cauldron nests of 6 sizes ( 6”, 8”, 10” 12” 15” ,18”), plastic pumpkins (orange, teal, pink, purple), candy coffins, and juice sippers. Plus summer beach toys. All items made in USA.

Discount: Visit www.costumers.org to see the current NCA price list.

Terms: No order deadline. However we encourage early orders to be able to ship you on time. Net 30 Days subject to credit approval or credit card prior to shipping: Visa or MC only. FOB Fitchburg, MA.

BUY4STORE.COM INC

www.buy4store.com

(310) 715-6034 Fax (310) 715-1753 sales@buy4store.com

Contact: Dago Gonzalez

Specialties: Bulk, wholesale party hats, suspenders, bowties, neckties, cowboy hats, fedoras, bracelets, balloons, toys, kid products, bucket hats, plush

animal hats, summer hats, winter hats.

Discount: NCA buyer members will be able to obtain our last tier prices on their first purchase order, regardless of the ordered quantities.

Terms: Orders can be placed online, email or over the phone. All orders are prepaid before shipping. Our minimum is $100.00 + shipping. Payment is not required at the time of check out. No orders deadlines, we encourage all buyers to order on a timely manner to avoid short ship orders. We can hold order up to a week. Buy4store keeps all inventory in stock all the time. At Buy4store.com Inc, we have the ability to outsource any product, even if the products are not in our categories. Terms upon request, contact us for more details.

CAMDEN PASSAGE (GOLD)

www.camdenpassage.com

(888) 755-5578 Fax (888) 955-5578 info@camdenpassage.com

Contact: Victor Del Zoppo

Specialties: Camden is the manufacturer of Loox Theatrical Contacts - arguably the most comfortable colored contacts! Over 180 designs in stock year-round. ISO 13485 & MDSAP certified, FDA and Health Canada cleared for safe and legal retailing. Camden is also the North American distributor for Moon Creations - manufacturer of Professional Makeup & Bold Cosmetics. Collections include Neon UV, Glow in the Dark, Glitter, Face Paints and Special FX. Made in the UK, ISO 22716 certified.

Discount: 5% Off Invoice.

Terms: Net 30 OAC. Low minimums. Fast, free shipping. Dedicated customer service rep. High-res image library. Full line sheets including UPC, packs, weight.

DISGUISE, INC./DIVISION OF JAKKS PACIFIC (PLATINUM)

www.disguise.com

(858) 391-3600 Fax (858) 391-3601 info@disguise.com

Contact: David Coggin

Specialties: Licensed costumes and accessories.

Discount: Generic Costumes & Accessories: 14% off list price; Licensed Costumes & Accessories: 10% off list price. Discounts do not apply to closeouts or special buys. Minimum order to qualify for the Premium NCA Discount: $2500. Opening orders must be received by Disguise by 2/6/2024 to receive full benefits. No extensions will

be granted. For Members placing their opening order by 2/6/2024, a 1% Defective Allowance (DA) will apply to all orders placed for 2024. Members placing opening orders by 2/6/2024 will continue to receive full program discounts on all reorder activity for the 2024 season. Members who do not place orders by 2/6/2024 will realize only the benefits of the Disguise Standard Discount schedule and return policy.

DREAMGIRL INTERNATIONAL (SILVER)

www.dreamgirldirect.com

(323) 268-0220 x208 ggabor@dgbrands.com

Contact: Gihan Gabor

Specialties: From loveable characters to exquisitely luxe historical favorites, Dreamgirl COSTUMES, WIGS, and ACCESSORIES offer exciting and cheeky dress up experiences for singles, couples or group-themed fun.

Discount: 3% - $1 - $5,000; 4% - $5,001 - $10,000; 5% - $10,001 – Over. In addition, NCA will receive a 1% volume rebate based on net shipments to members.

Terms: Halloween dating available to credit approved customers.

DRESS UP AMERICA TOY INC. (SILVER)

www.dressupamerica.com

(718) 436-0031 Fax (718) 775-3200 sales@dressupamerica.com

Contact: Barry Grossman

Specialties: We have excellent quality costumes and accessories for all ages as well as Pretend Play Dress Up.

Discount: NNCA members are entitled to a 10% discount. Free shipping for orders above $1,500. Halloween dating (subject to credit approval).

Terms: Halloween dating terms applicable only to Halloween orders shipping after June 1, 2024.

ELLIE SHOES INC. (SILVER)

www.ellieshoes.com

(714) 773-2995 Fax (714) 771-0057 info@ellieshoes.com

Contact: Leslie Wandell

Specialties: Ellie Shoes has footwear for all your costuming needs!

Discount: 5% year round – Show specials to be announced

Terms: Please have NCA membership number included on the purchase order, e-mail, or fax. Hal-

BUYER ’ S GROUP

loween dating subject to CIT approval.

ELOPE, INC. (SILVER)

www.elope.com

(719) 328-1312

customerService@elope.com

Specialties: Wide variety of innovative licensed and unlicensed costume headwear, eyewear, and accessories.

Discount: On all member orders, 5% discount (excluding Disney and sale items) and discounted freight.

Terms: Credit card on first 3 orders. After 3rd order, Net 30 terms may be requested with approved credit.

FUNNY FASHION USA (SILVER)

www.funnyfashion.com

(719) 260-7744 Fax (719) 260-7743 order@funnyfashion.com

Contact: Diane Lutz

Specialties: Balloons, balloon accessories, large selection of value-priced Halloween, Masquerade and Theatrical costumes and accessories.

Discount: 5% on orders from $500 to $4,999; 7% on orders from $5,000 to $9,999; 10% on orders from $10,000 to $19,999; and 15% on orders above $20,000.

Terms: Halloween Dating November 10, 2024 WAC, FOB Funny Fashion Distribution Point.

FUN WORLD/INCHARACTER (SILVER) www.fun-world.net

(516) 873-9000 ext. 256 Fax (516) 873-9005 alexL@fun-world.net

Contact: Alex Losito

Specialties: Halloween: Licensed and Generic Costumes, Wigs, Masks, Decor, Pumpkin Carving, Weapons, Accessories, Make up, Home décor. Harvest Home Décor. Christmas: Santa suits, Beards, Elf on the Shelf, Home Decor, Valentines, St. Patrick’s Day, Easter, and Easter Home Décor.

Discount: NCA Members automatically receive 10% off our “List Price” on “ALL” items in our line. Group “SELECTED“ or “RECOMMENDED” items receive an “ADDITIONAL” discount of 10-30%. Additional discount varies, see official FunWorld/NCA and InCharacter/NCA order forms for exact price/discount.

Terms: Seasonal dating (net Nov. 10th) available upon credit review for USA-based customers. We offer free freight on orders over $2,500 (or 300 lbs) per warehouse. FunWorld and InCharacter Costume orders can be combined to make free freight. This is only available to a USA-based shipto address. International members must supply us with their freight forwarder details at time of order. Please call or email for details.

GRAFTOBIAN MAKE-UP (SILVER)

www.graftobian.com

(608) 222-7849 Fax (608) 222-7893

calvincoffman@graftobian.com

Contact: Calvin Coffman

Specialties: Professional grade Theatrical and HD makeup suitable for TV/Film and stage. Featuring ProPaint body paint, FX Aire and GlamAire Airbrush makeup, plus a full range of lusters, shimmers, glitter body sprays and more. With four types of blood, four shades of modeling wax, spirit gum, pro adhesive, plus a full range of Halloween kits. Proudly made in the USA.

Discount: 5% off Wholesale immediately (some exclusions apply). At $5,000 YTD, discount increases to 10% off. At $10,000 YTD, discount increases to 15% off.

HM SMALLWARES LTD (SILVER)

www.hmsltd.ca

(514) 244-8492

edith@hmsltd.ca

Contact: Edith Dempsey

Specialties: Better quality hats, accessories, horns and accoutrements. World renowned leatherlike and supersoft products.

Discount: 10% discount on first time order and 5% discount on all reorders, Minimum order $500.00.

Terms: Visa/Mastercard. Halloween orders should be placed ASAP. We stock and ship all year round.

IVY TRADING INC (SILVER)

www.cutiecollections.com

626-442-9008

ivyinc2002@yahoo.com

Contact: Wen Zhao

Specialties: Costumes Accessories: wings, wands, tutus, head wears for babies, kids and adults. Everyday dress ups for fairy parties and birthday parties.

Discount: 20-25% off regular wholesale prices.

Terms: Net 30 -60 days by end of Feb, 2024.

KBW (SILVER)

www.kbwcorp.com

(626) 258-2938

jonas@kbwcorp.com

Contact: Jonas Wu

Specialties: KBW Global Corp. is a manufacturer and wholesale distributor of party masks, hats, and accessories for special occasions & holidays throughout the year.

Discount: 2% off orders of $300 to $499; 3% on orders of $500 to $999; and 5% off orders of $1,000 or more.

Terms: Minimum is $400 per order. For hats, minimum order is 3 items and for masks & others, minimum order is 4 items. Require credit card on

first order and depending on size of subsequent order, may go to terms. References and credit check required.

KROEGER INC. (SILVER)

www.kroegerinc.com

(416) 752-4382

tracym@kroegerinc.com

Contact: Tracy Machin

Specialties: Licensed/Generic Costumes; Costume Accessories; Décor; Games/HLWN addons.

Discount: 5% Jazwares - 10% MOM - 5% Games/ HLWN addons. Minimum Order: $750.00 (3% freight charge); Free freight with order of $1,500 or more.

Terms: Nov. 10 dating. Order Deadline: Jan 15, 2024.

KRYOLAN PROFESSIONAL MAKE-UP (SILVER)

www.kryolan.com

(415) 863-9684

a.newman@kryolan.com

Contact: Anne Newman

Specialties: Aquacolor Face and Body Paint, Hair Color Sprays, Specialty FX grade Eye blood, Bloods, Beards & Mustaches, Bio Glitters and of course over 20,000 sku’s for your makeup needs!

Discount: Members enjoy a 50% margin, lower opening order and yearly minimums. Free access to Professional staff development and tester program.

Terms: Net 30 with approved credit.

KURT ADLER INC. (SILVER)

www.kurtadler.com

(212) 924-0900

bpolinsky@kurtadler.com

Contact: Brett Polinsky

Specialties: Original, high-quality Christmas goods are Kurt S. Adler’s expertise, such as beautiful tabletop decorations and heirloom quality ornaments. But we also sell a wide range of licensed products.

Discount: Min order $400. 5% off - $750 min order. 10% off - $1750 min order.

Terms: FOB our NJ warehouse. Net 30 days. No order deadline. However, we encourage early orders to be able to ship to you on time. Net 30 days subject to credit approval or credit card prior to shipping.

LOLA STARS (See LOFTUS)

BUYER ’ S GROUP

LOFTUS (SILVER)

www.loftus.com

(800) 453-4879 Fax (888) 871-7375 casey@loftus.com jacob@loftus.com

Contacts: Casey Fitts and Jacob White

Specialties: We have what you need! Loftus carries a vast array of products under one roof, giving you the convenience of a one-stop-shopping experience. We offer a large selection of Halloween & seasonal items along with everyday products to help generate sales year-round. Our product lines range from costume accessories, make-up, wigs, hats, masks, décor, magic/novelties, balloons, decorator supplies, party favors and impulse items. In addition, our partnerships with some of the best manufacturers in the industry make Loftus a genuine value to the members of the National Costumers Association. We are pleased to partner with LOLA Costumes in 2024 to bring you a whole new line of costume options.

Discount: ALL year long, NCA members receive our top-tier premium pricing and our highest available discounts across ALL product categories. Also free freight on all orders over $500 to a USA-based ship-to address.

Terms: NCA members receive free freight on all orders over $500 to a USA-based ship-to address. Minimum order $100.00. Loftus accepts VISA, Mastercard, Discover or American Express. Halloween dating and terms available to credit approved customers. Some restrictions may apply, contact your sales rep for further information.

MANIC PANIC (See TISH AND SNOOKY’S MANIC PANIC)

MEHRON MAKEUP (SILVER)

www.mehron.com

(845) 426-1700 Fax (845) 426-1515 info@mehron.com

Contact: Katie Perez

Specialties: Professional makeup for Performance, Special FX, Cosplay, Face & Body Paint, and Creative Beauty since 1927.

Discount: 55% off all qualifying orders; increases to 10% off once YTD purchases reach $2,500; 15% off once YTD purchases reach $7,500. Once achieved, the discounts apply for the rest of the year. Discount applies to 2024 Mehron Dealer Wholesale Pricing. $500 minimum first order, $250 minimum on additional orders. Discounts cannot be combined with other offers and apply to qualifying products. Discounts cannot be applied to previous purchases. Proof of membership must be presented with P.O. in order to receive Membership Discount.

MOM – MY OTHER ME FUN COMPANY (See KROEGER)

MUSTACHES (SILVER)

now distributed by LoF tuS mustachesb2b.com

+37-06-992-1066

sales@mustaches.eu

Contact: Tomas Siuipys

Specialties: We are manufacturers of high-quality fake mustaches and beards. More than 1500 SKUs to choose from. We make mustaches in Europe (Lithuania) and ship worldwide. Shipment to the U.S. takes only 4-5 days.

Discount: We offer a 30 percent discount from our list price. MOQ per item is 6 pieces. Minimum order is $500. There is a $150 shipping fee, but orders above $1,500 get free shipping. Shipping takes 4-5 days.

Terms: Payment terms 30 days after order is received. Please ask for special Planogram orders for Halloween payment terms.

ORCHID BLOOM (SILVER)

www.orchid-bloom.com

(631) 388-4903

reza@orchid-bloom.com

Contact: Reza Hessari

Specialties: Gothic, Pirates, Dresses, Poodle Skirt, Poodle Top, Petticoats, Kids Dresses, Onesies, Corsets.

Discount: 5%, please ask when you place the order.

THE PIRATE DRESSING (SILVER)

www.thepiratedressing.com

(321) 445-1837

info@thepiratedressing.com

Contact: Aditya Aggarwal

Specialties: Rental quality pirate, medieval, Renaissance and steampunk outfits.

Discount: Quantity discounts up to 15% offered to all registered customers. Also, NCA members are eligible for an additional 5% discount on orders above $500.

Terms: Discounts are only applicable for orders above $500.

RG COSTUMES & ACCESSORIES, INC. (SILVER)

www.rgcostume.com

(626) 858-9559

halloweenbyrg@aol.com

Contact: Roger Lee

Specialties: Costumes for Halloween, Thanksgiving, Period, Cosplay, School play and religion. Animal Onesies, Hoodie. Sexy Costumes. Wigs, Hats, Wings, accessories.

Discount: 15% discount off listed prices for orders over $500. No discount for orders less than $500.

Terms: Member privileges cannot be combined with any other discount or promotion. Halloween dating: Nov. 1 2024 - Order over $1,500 for credit approved accounts. Net 30 days for order amount less than $1,500 and for credit approved accounts. Discount will be forfeited for all past due accounts. All new accounts opened on credit card terms. A 2.5% surcharge will be added for all credit card payments.

RUBIES II, LLC (PLATINUM)

www.rubies.com

(516) 333-3473 Fax (516) 333-3496

cinfo@rubies.com

Contact: Joe Wozniak

Specialties: RUBIES II is the world’s largest designer, manufacturer and distributor of Halloween costumes and accessories. We offer a vast selection of License and non-license products that extend well beyond Halloween. We have products for all holidays and special occasions for everyone in the family to enjoy… even your pets!

Discount: Please contact your local representative or Rubie’s customer service department at 516-3333473 and ask about details on the New Rubie’s 2024 Discount Schedule.

SEEING RED (SILVER)

www.onlyseeingred.com

951-371-2600

charlie@onlyseeingred.com

Contact: Charlie Santilena

Specialties: Edgy, Fun and Trendy - Costumes

Accessories and Decor. Good Quality at Fair Prices.

Discount: 10% off all orders.

Terms: Halloween Dating 11/1 offered on approved credit through CIT. $300 order minimum, 3 pieces per style. Order Deadline for 2024 Halloween is 2/15/2024.

STARLINE LA/PARTY KING (SILVER)

www.starline.la

(949) 209-8804

sales@starline.la

Contact: Sales Department

Specialties: Starline LA & Party King Costumes are two sister brands that offer a great mix of innovative new costumes, as well as bestselling classics. Competitive pricing, exceptional quality and beautiful costumes are what we are all about! We also design & produce custom & private label.

Discount: We offer an 8% discount to NCA members throughout the year.

SUNNYWOOD, INC. (GOLD)

www.sunnywood.net

(815) 675-9777 Fax (815) 675-9788 order@sunnywood.net

Contact: Tammy Semiletow

Specialties: Exquisite Tiaras, Headpieces, Men’s Crowns, Period Pieces, Flappers, Costumes, Santa Suits, Bunnies, Accessories and so much more.

Discount: All year long, you receive dozen pricing on single piece items and special promotions exclusively for NCA members. Member Privileges cannot be used in combination with any other special discounts or promotions.

TISH AND SNOOKY’S MANIC PANIC NYC (SILVER)

manicpanicwholesale.com

877-516-2642 Fax: 718-937-6172 retail@manicpanic.com

Contact: Noel Rodriguez-Ortiz

Specialties: Semi-Permanent and Temporary Hair Color, and Cosmetics

Discount: 10% off Wholesale pricing. MOQ for free shipping $500

Terms: Most customers are on prepaid terms but are welcomed to apply for net terms based on credit application.

TRICK OR TREAT STUDIOS (SILVER)

www.trickortreatstudios.com

(831) 713-9665 Fax (831) 621-4763 michael@trickortreatstudios.com

Contact: Anthony Austin

Specialties: Trick or Treat Studios specialize in the highest quality licensed and original designed masks, costumes, props, replicas, collectables, action figures, decor, wrapping paper, accessories and tabletop games. With over 150 Licenses, Trick or Treat Studios will fulfill all your customers’ needs. Top Licenses include the Halloween Franchise (Michael Myers), A Nightmare on Elm Street, Texas Chainsaw Massacre, Terrifier, Goosebumps and much more!

Discount: Our discount for NCA members is 10% off orders over $1,000 and 5% off orders $500-$999.

UNDERWRAPS COSTUMES (SILVER)

www.underwrapscostumes.com

(818) 349-5300 Fax (818) 349-7200 info@underwraps.net

Contact: Payman Shaffa

Specialties: Children and adult costumes, accessories including weapons, boas, wings, hats & helmets. Discount: 3% above regular discounts; additional discounts apply for early buy program.

Terms: Initial order must meet $500 minimum.

VISUAL EFFECTS (DUVAL LLC) (SILVER)

www.visualeffectsind.com

718-324-0011

orders@visualeffectsind.com

Contact: George Dertinger

Specialties: Fog machines, bubble machines, snow machines, party lights, mirror/disco balls, black lights, Halloween specialties.

Discount: NCA member discounts vary by item. Please call for details.

WEST BAY INC. (GOLD)

www.westbayinc.com

(323) 720-5777 Fax (323) 720-5799

contact@westbayinc.com

Contact: Susan Yi

Specialties: Fashion and Costume Wigs, Blush, Character Wigs, Glamour Eyez Eyelashes, Beards and Mustaches.

Discount: $1,000 to $1,500 = 5%; $1,501 to $2,500 = 10%; $2,501 to $3,500 = 12%; $3,501+ = 15%.

Terms: Minimum order per order = $300. Discounts apply on a per-order basis. If payment terms exist, late payments cancel all discounts. All freight paid by buyer. All new accounts opened on credit card terms.

WESTERN FASHION, INC. (SILVER)

www.westernfashioninc.com

(909) 627-9551

sales@westernfashioninc.com

Contact: PJ Gupta

Specialties: Rental High-Quality Costumes ranging from Pirate, Flapper, and Victorian. Also, we specialize in Festival, Rave, and Party Items.

Discount: Free Shipping, please mention NCA Member when placing the order.

Terms: Halloween Dating to credit approved customers.

WOLFE FX / DENTAL DISTORTIONS (SILVER)

www.wolfefx.com

www.dentaldistortions.com

(407) 730-9820

sales@wolfefx.com

Contact: Nigel Febland, 917-864-1685, TheFeBlandGroup@gmail.com

Specialties: We focus on professional quality makeup, Dental Distortions movie teeth, and other products. The majority of our products include step-by-step, clear descriptions and images. They are available for the makeup artist as well as the everyday user.

Discount: NCA Members receive 5% off wholesale price all year.

Terms: $300 minimum order, FOB Orlando, Florida. Credit card payment required.

BUYER ’ S GROUP

ZAGONE STUDIOS, LLC (SILVER)

www.zagonestudios.com

(773) 509-0610

francop@zagonestudios.com jenellew@zagonestudios.com

Contact: Franco Pacini

Specialties: Halloween masks and costumes, accessories.

Discount: 5% for any orders over $500, 8% on any order over $1000. All orders must be paid with Credit Card at time of shipping or a check prior to shipping. Please provide order ship date and NCA number when ordering.

Don’t Forget Your nCA MeMber beneFits!

Here is a quick summary of some key benefits of being an NCA Member. Details available at www.costumers.org:

Buyer’s Group: We currently have 39 vendors offering discounts, including recently joined members such as Seeing Red, Orchid Bloom, Western Fashion and Studio Halloween.

NCA Exclusive Products: If the “big box” stores in your community are cutting into your costume profits, try stocking something they can’t: NCA Exclusive Products!

Back Issues of Costumer: Costumer magazine is packed with articles about the industry and the NCA.You can read digital issues going back to 2019 in the Member Center.

Recorded Webinars: Want to learn the airbrush face painting business? Or how to serve the drag market? Those are just two of the topics covered in past NCA webinars.

Digital Catalog: This is a collection of products from a vast range of vendors, all conveniently located in one digital catalog. Plot Service: This is a vast collection of scene-by-scene costume requirements for hundreds of commonly produced plays and musicals.

NCA Zoom Fashion Show: The recording of this live event is in the Member Center.

M Y F AVORITE C OSTUME

Jana Bean

The Nick Nackery

Evansville, Indiana

“Don’t wear a basic costume to your event.”

Those are the words of caution that greet online visitors to The Nick Nackery, a costume shop billed as “the leading horror boutique in Evansville, Indiana.”

And the myriad costume options anyone who enters this store in Evansville, Indiana, will find ensures they won’t have to settle for anything basic — no matter the time of year or occasion for which they’re shopping.

While the shop’s dedication to horror as the cornerstone of the brand stems from owner Jana Bean’s “genuine passion for the genre” and what she calls “a shared interest among our community of fellow horror enthusiasts,” The Nick Nackery’s inventory isn’t limited to frightening finds.

“Our diverse range of costumes caters to various occasions throughout the year,” says Bean. “Families often flock to us for 100-days-of-school outfits, spirit day ensembles, and living wax museum attire. As the new year approaches, customers seek out masquerade ball masks and Roaring Twenties costumes from our decades wall.”

of his character design. Complementing it with thrifted garments, we painstakingly pieced together his backstory. Every tear, stain, or imperfection was thoughtfully incorporated, weaving a tale of his journey. From the weathered clothing to the customized sleeves accommodating his pumpkin hands, every detail tells a story.”

That journey began 38 years ago, when the shop opened its doors as a plant store. As legend has it, Nack lurked there in the shadows.

But it’s the shop’s extensive collection of masks, many of them unique pieces crafted by local Indiana artisans, that “truly sets us apart,” Bean says. That includes Nack, the shops’ beloved mascot who “holds a special place in our hearts as our favorite costume,” Bean says. “We firmly believe in crafting a character’s narrative before designing their attire. Nack’s iconic mask, sourced from Immortal Masks, served as the cornerstone

“After encountering difficulties in plant sales, the original owners introduced a few Halloween costumes, which quickly gained popularity. This prompted the transition to a costume shop, establishing itself as a local icon,” says Bean, who took over the shop with her husband Dan Bean in October 2021. “Originally just a regular pumpkin, Nack mysteriously came to life one day. After years of hiding, Nack emerged from the darkness, ready to embrace the world,” she continues. “He now graces events, poses for photos at the store, and occasionally accompanies us to horror conventions, spreading his quirky charm wherever he goes. We encourage our customers to approach costume creation in a similar manner, ensuring that each element contributes meaningfully to the character’s identity.”

What is your favorite costume? To be considered for an upcoming My Favorite Costume profile, email Editor Kathleen Furore at kfurore@yahoo.com.