Marvelous Mardi Gras!
Capture big sales from a Big Easy tradition
By Kathleen Furore
How can I extend holiday season sales into the new year?
if that’s a question you’re pondering, here’s one answer to consider: “Focus on Mardi Gras!”
The good thing about this new Orleans tradition is that it’s not just a one-day affair. While Mardi Gras 2023 is set to take place on Feb. 21, the traditional Carnival season — full of parties and parades — gets off to a rousing start on January 6, giving costume shops more than a month to drum up sales.
“The season kicks off like clockwork on January 6, which is epiphany, so there are a lot of celebrations on that day. But it’s really a whole season,” reports Claudia Baumgarten, owner of Miss Claudia’s Vintage Clothing & Costumes, a new Orleans shop that features vintage Mardi Gras costumes including capes from float riders. Miss Claudia’s window displays featuring Carnival-appropriate apparel and accessories typically pop up beginning January 2, beckoning customers eager to celebrate the season and indulge before Lent begins.
The History
understanding how Mardi Gras became a Big easy tradition can help costumers stock their shops with everything they’ll need to capitalize on Carnival. According to the story “Mardi Gras history and traditions” at neworleans.com, the city has been the site of Mardi Gras celebrations since 1699.
“in French colonial days, wealthy members of Creole society threw lavish Mardi Gras balls from twelfth night (Jan. 6) to Fat tuesday eve,” the story explains, adding that the first parade “rolled through the city streets” in 1857, sponsored by the Mistick Krewe of Comus — now the old-
est continuous organization of new Orleans Mardi Gras festivities. Fifteen years later, rex, the king of Mardi Gras, made his debut. According to information from the rex Organization, rex’s traditional colors of purple, green, and gold have become the official colors of Carnival.
today, hundreds of Mardi Gras krewes host balls featuring kings and queens and royal courts; parades with floats, marching bands, clowns, and other flamboyant characters; and even Mardi Gras indians decked out in elaborate handsewn costumes.
The Trends
With so many costuming opportunities, there aren’t easily identified trends — especially because each krewe comes up with its own theme, and often doesn’t unveil it until parade day. For Baumgarten, Mardi Gras costumes aren’t about trends, but about being creative and celebrating the creativity of the community.
“Last year there were a lot of space themes with all of the billionaires going into space, and i feel like space is still going
Pr O du C t PA r A de
Inc haracter costumes’ pink Butterfly tutu. This sparkly pink butterfly (CK16153) costume includes an antennae headpiece and tutu dress with whimsical butterfly print that’s ready to flutter into your heart. 516-873-9000; FunWorld/easterunlimited@FunWorld.net; incharacter.com
n CA M A r K et PLAC e
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.
s ojourner’s Holographic Face glitters. This 16-pack of face glitters makes adding sparkle to costumes, nail art, hair and skin a breeze! it’s also a great addition when making slime and can be used as a resin tumble base and in other craft projects. The glitters can even be used like regular makeup and can be applied with makeup brushes. All made from high-quality ingredients in 16 sparkly shades and rainbow sparkles — a glitter for everyone! contact@sojournerbags.com; sojournerbags.com.
rubies’ Adaptive costumes. This new line of adaptive costumes includes Batman, superman, Wonder Woman, Chase, and skye — all designed for children who use wheelchairs. each costume is designed for comfort and is easy to get on and off. rubies.com.
The pirate Dressing’s pirate Linen Large sash. This flexible, multipurpose sash (C1417) made of lightweight linen is the ideal accessory to polish off any pirate outfit. Measures 144 inches long and 10 inches wide — long enough to wrap around twice if you want to wear it on the waist. The unfinished torn edges give it a rustic, authentic pirate look. 323-284-7201; info@thepiratedressing.com thepiratedressing.com.
N c A vendors offer discounts to N c A Buyer m embers
A major nCA member benefit is the long list of discounts available exclusively to nCA members from the Vendor Members listed here.
AerOMAX, inC. (siLVer)
www.aeromaxtoys.com
877-776-2291; FAX 847-756-4091 sean@aeromaxtoys.com
Contact: sean schipper
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 2/10/23 and shipped by 8/1/23.
BLinKy PrOduCts (siLVer) www.blinkyproducts.com (212) 675-3790
thefeblandgroup@gmail.com
Contact: nigel Febland
Specialties: 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: see www.costumers.org for nCA price list.
Terms: net 30 days subject to credit approval or credit card prior to shipping: Visa or MC only. FOB Fitchburg, MA.
CAMden PAssAGe (GOLd) www.camdenpassage.com (888) 755-5578
Fax (888) 955-5578
info@camdenpassage.com
Contact: Victor del Zoppo
Specialties: Manufacturer of Loox Theatrical Contacts and the American distributor for Moon Creations. isO 13485 & MdsAP certified. Moon Creations - manufacturer of Professional Makeup & Bold Cosmetics. includes neon uV, Glow in the dark, Glitter, Face Paints and special FX. Made in the uK, isO 22716 certified, FdA and health Canada compliant. Loox - Arguably the most comfortable colored contacts! Over 170 designs in stock year-round. FdA and health Canada cleared for safe and legal retailing. Discount: 5% Off invoice.
Terms: net 30 OAC. Low minimums. Fast, free shipping.
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 2/6/2023 to receive full benefits. no extensions will be granted. For Members placing their opening order by 2/6/2023, a 1% defective Allowance (dA) will apply to all orders placed for 2023. Members placing opening orders by 2/6/2023 will continue to receive full program discounts on all reorder activity for the 2023 season. Members who do not place orders by 2/6/2023 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: nCA members are entitled to a 10% discount. Free shipping for orders above $1,500. halloween dating (subject to credit approval) for orders shipping after June 1, 2023.
eLLie shOes inC. (siLVer) www.ellieshoes.com (714) 773-2995
Fax (714) 771-0057
info@ellieshoes.com
Contact: Leslie Wandell
Specialties: Footwear for all your costuming needs!
Discount: 5%
Terms: Please have nCA membership number on purchase order, e-mail, or fax. halloween dating subject to Cit approval.
eLOPe, inC. (siLVer) www.elope.com (719) 328-1312
Kelli@elope.com
Contact: Kelli Borel riedmiller
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.
the F unCtiOnAL ChOCOLAte COMPAny (siLVer) funcho.co (303) 809-8288
Fax (303) 228-6882
sales@funcho.co
Contact: rick yale
Specialties: Functional Chocolate helps make every day a little better by addressing the most common health realities – sleep issues to energy, focus for those video calls, PMs to menopause, stress and much more. All products are packed with powerful vitamins, botanicals and clinically researched ingredients, blended in a base of ethically sourced, non-GMO, naturally vegan and gluten free dark chocolate.
Discount: 5% off and free shipping for all orders over $250.
F unny FAshiOn usA (siLVer) www.funnyfashion.com (719) 260-7744
Fax (719) 260-7743
order@funnyfashion.com
Contact: diane Lutz
Specialties: Balloons, balloon accessories, valuepriced halloween, Masquerade and Theatrical costumes and accessories.
B uyer’s G r O u P
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, 2023 WAC, FOB Funny Fashion distribution Point.
F un WOrLd/inChArACter (siLVer) www.fun-world.net (516) 873-9000
Fax (516) 873-9005
AlexL@fun-world.net
Contact: Alex Losito
Specialties: halloween: 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 ship-to address. international members must supply us with their freight forwarder details at time of order.
GOOds FOr GeeKs (siLVer) www.cosplayflex.us
www.goodsforgeeks.com (970) 414-0857
brandon.lilly@goodsforgeeks.com
Contact: Brandon Lilly
Specialties: Cosplayflex thermoplastic
Discount: 10% off wholesale price list. Plus additional volume discounts: 5% = $1,000 to $1,499; 7% = $1,500 to $2,499; 10% = $2,500+.
Terms: net 30 OAC
GrAF tOBiAn MAKe-uP (siLVer) www.graftobian.com (608) 222-7849
Fax (608) 222-7893
ordermakeup@graftobian.com
Contact: Janine Wardale
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. Four types of
blood, four shades of modeling wax, spirit gum, pro adhesive, plus a full range of halloween kits. Made in the usA.
Discount: details coming soon.
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. Terms: Visa/Mastercard.
KBW (siLVer) www.kbwcorp.com (626) 258-2938
jonas@kbwcorp.com
Contact: Jonas Wu
Specialties: Party masks, hats and accessories for steampunk, day of the dead, Mardi Gras and other events 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 $300 per order. For hats, minimum order is 3 items and for masks, 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.
KryOLAn PrOFessiOnAL MAKe-uP (siLVer)
www.kryolan.com (415) 863-9684
a.newman@kryolan.com
Contact: Anne newman
Specialties: Aquacolor, uV reactive, temp hair color, Blood, Beards & Mustaches and over 20,000 sku’s for your makeup needs!
Discount: Get our highest margin discount for a full year! Low opening order and yearly minimums. Terms: net 30 with approved credit.
LOF tus (siLVer)
www.loftus.com (800) 453-4879
Fax (888) 871-7375
jacob@loftus.com
holly@loftus.com
Contacts: Jacob White and holly Adamonis-Zuller Specialties: Loftus carries a vast array of products under one roof, giving you the convenience of one-stop-shopping. We offer a large selection of halloween & seasonal items along with everyday
products to help generate sales year-round: costume accessories, make-up, wigs, hats, masks, décor, magic/novelties, balloons, decorator supplies, party favors and impulse items. Our partnerships with some of the best manufacturers in the industry make Loftus a genuine value to the members of the nCA.
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: Minimum order $100. VisA, Mastercard, discover or American express. halloween dating and terms available to credit approved customers.
MehrOn MAKeuP (siLVer) www.mehron.com (845) 426-1700
Fax (845) 426-1515
info@mehron.com
Contact: Katie Perez
Specialties: Professional makeup for stage, screen, special FX, and beauty since 1927.
Discount: 5% off all qualifying orders; increases to 10% off once ytd purchases reach $2,500; 15% off once ytd purchases reach $5,000. Once achieved, the discounts apply for the rest of the year. discount applies to 2023 Mehron dealer Wholesale Pricing. $500 minimum first order, $200 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. Terms: if qualified, strict net 30 Payment terms apply. new accounts must meet Credit and dealer Account requirements.
MindsCOPe PrOduCts (siLVer) www.mindscopeproducts.com (818) 726-1998
george@mindscopeproducts.com
Contact: George Balanchi
Specialties: AniMAt3d talking, singing, joking characters.
Discount: $35.00 on AniMAt3d line with FFA
MustAChes (siLVer) mustachesb2b.com +37-06-992-1066
sales@mustaches.eu
Contact: tomas siuipys
Specialties: 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% discount from our list
price. MOQ per item is 6 pieces. Minimum order is $300. There is a $40 shipping fee, but orders above $900 get free shipping.
Terms: Payment terms 30 days after order is received. Please ask for special Planogram orders for halloween payment terms.
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.
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 … even your pets!
Discount: Please contact your local representative or rubie’s customer service department at 516-333-3473.
sOJOurner (siLVer) www.sojournerbags.com (501) 940-4554
wholesale@sojournerbags.com
Contact: Adam
Specialties: Music festival and costume accessories, including holographic cowboy hats, fanny packs, hydration packs, glitter, masks, goggles and glasses. Discount: An additional 10% discount to nCA members on top of our wholesale prices.
stArLine LA/PArty KinG (siLVer) www.starline.la (949) 209-8804
sales@starline.la
Contact: sales department
Specialties: starline & 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.
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 more.
Discount: dozen pricing on single piece items and special promotions exclusively for nCA members. Member Privileges cannot be used in combination with other special discounts or promotions.
tish And snOOKy ’s MAniC PAniC nyC (siLVer)
manicpanicwholesale.com
phone: 718-937-6055
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 welcome 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: highest quality licensed and original designed masks, costumes, props, replicas, collectables, action figures, decor, wrapping paper, accessories and tabletop games. top Licenses include the halloween Franchise (Michael Myers), The universal Classic Monsters, A nightmare on elm street, the Child’s Play Franchise and much more! Discount: 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.
West BAy inC. (GOLd) www.westbayinc.com (323) 720-5777
Fax (323) 720-5799
contact@westbayinc.com
Contact: susan y i
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 Festival, rave, and Party items.
Discount: Free shipping.
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: Professional quality make-up, dental distortions movie teeth, and other products. Available for the makeup artist as well as the everyday user.
Discount: 5% off wholesale price.
Terms: $300 minimum order, FOB Orlando. Credit card payment required.
ZAGOne studiOs, LLC (siLVer) www.zagonestudios.com phone: (773) 509-0610
Fax (773) 509-0613 francop@zagonestudios.com
Contact: Franco Pacini
Specialties: halloween masks and costumes, accessories.
Discount: 5% for orders over $500, 8% on orders 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.
My F AVO rite C O stu M e
Marty Boyer
Theatre House
Covington, Kentucky
since 1955, Theatre h across the river from Cincinnati, Ohio — has helped millions of productions come to life by offering a robust inventory of theatrical supply products including makeup, wigs, stage lighting, props, costumes, specialty fabric and much more.
“With world-class prod ucts from Ben nye, Mehron, Chauvet, MBt and rosco, we’re here to make sure your show goes on,” the company tells customers looking for everything they’ll need for their shows — and more!
Theatre house has been a mainstay in the area for K-12 schools, universities, governments, and theatre groups who have counted on the company for more than 60 years. A family-run business from 1955 until 2017, the company is now headed by president Marty Boyer, who shares his favorite costume story here with Costumer readers.
“My favorite costume is easy…wait for it…it’s the full-bodied Grinch cos tume by elope.”
WH y?
“The Grinch himself has a certain je ne sais quoi about his character and aura,” says Boyer, who adds that what he’s about to share he has never
t makes me feel vulnerable, but i’m going to n full disclosure, i keep my own Grinch costume in the closet here at Theatre house. will often find myself during the holiday season, when people are away from the shop, dancing in the costume,” he says.
“When the winter solstice is upon us, it brings about the mood with traces of fading daylight coming into the shop. it really brings just the perfect moments of daylight when it greets the evening, cold, yet still welcoming. i play soft music, sip some wine and dance. i can’t control it, it’s who i am — a soft-hearted
One evening, Boyer says he even made a video of his transformation from ouse president to Grinch! believe there’s a little bit of Grinch in all of us,” Boyer adds before quoting “Oh The ou’ll Go” by Theodor seuss Geisel, whom he calls “not just an icon of literature, but a hero of mine as well.”
You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose. You’re on your own. And you know what you know. And YOU are the one who’ll decide where to go...
What is your favorite costume? To be considered for an upcoming My Favorite Costume profile, email Editor Kathleen Furore at kfurore@yahoo.com.
