Masks
Unmasked
Opportunities abound in an overlooked category
By Kathleen Furore
Another Halloween is in the books and the Christmas season is coming to an end. What are some ways to march into the new year armed with ideas to perk up sales? Don’t overlook masks!
While you might think of creative face covers as predominantly Halloween items, masks can boost your
bottom line all year, according to Kyra Stewart, owner of A Masquerade Costume in Redmond, Washington— an NCA-member shop that specializes in masquerade art masks.
“After Halloween, chronologically, comes ‘Masquerade Season,’ which lasts approximately through Mardi
Gras,” Stewart explains. “In the United States, masquerade balls are popular and common as celebrations for New Year’s Eve. Ironically, in the United States, we also find secular celebrations of masquerade during the 40 days following Carnevale/Mardi Gras. You would not find this in Italy, but masquerade season extends a little longer in the United States. Masquerade wedding receptions have also been gaining popularity over the last decade. When my customers are looking for more places to wear their masks, I let them know that I will always
