The Costume Shoppe in its usual state on Sixth Avenue SW on Monday as it prepares to close for good after this year's Halloween.--News Photo Fernando Moreno
mhnews@medicinehatnews.com
The Costume Shoppe is preparing to wrap up for what will be its final season this fall. The store has served the community’s dress-up, make-up and costume needs for 38 years. Every item in the store is now for sale.
The shop was run by Monica Schlaht for 36 years after opening in 1985. It is now closing due to a deal happening with the shop.
“I can’t really say much about it at the moment,” says Justin Schlaht, who has taken ownership of the store since his mother’s passing two years ago.
Schlaht hopes the business might continue under new ownership. He believe there are prospects interested in purchasing the business but that it would have to continue in another location.
“I don’t want to close it down but it is what it is,” says Schlaht.
“Hopefully someone else takes it on and makes it bigger and better.”
The Shoppe is set to go for business as usual until the beginning of November in the same location. Customers are able to call to make appointments until the store opens for regular in October.
“I’m still renting costumes as well and if people want to buy they have that option,” says Schlaht in regards to how all the costumes and items that were previously only for rent can now be purchased.
“I will be doing the Halloween season as normal.”
Over the years the business has appealed to a variety of costumes. There have been costumes for kids, college students and cosplayers. They catered to events that used costumes and accessories for themed and holiday events. The merchandise includes costumes, wigs, ears, masks, make-up and fake blood. There are also costumes that Schlaht’s mother made herself. “It’s good quality stuff,” says Schlaht.
“Some of this stuff is original, it’s not all brand spanking new but some of it’s also collector’s items.”
The Costume Shoppe is located at 317 Sixth Ave. SE on the second floor of the building. Schlaht can be called at 403-529-5778 or texted at 403-866-7074. Updates can also be found on the business’s Facebook page.
“Through my mom and me, it’s been fun to serve and help everyone else with their costume needs throughout the years,” says Schlaht. “We appreciate all the support that we’ve had all the years.”
