in the industry Beat the Big Box Stores with New Exclusives Program
Are you looking for a way to beat the competition from “big box” stores, Halloween pop-ups, and low-price internet sellers? The NCA has a solution: Our new Exclusives program, which has launched with three exclusive masks from Zagone Studios.
Here’s how the program works: Zagone Studios has created three masks that ONLY are available to NCA members. When you put these in your store, you can be assured that no non-NCA member stores will have them. And Zagone Studios has filmed videos and made other web-ready promotions for them so you can easily post them on your site or thirdparty sites. See details of the masks — Sick-O Clown, Silver Go-Rilla, and Grand Dad — in the Product Parade that begins on page 26.
Our Survey Proves It: NCA Members Buy a Lot
NCA members play a huge role in the costume industry, based on a February survey of their buying habits. Answers to the question, “Approximately how much money do you spend on new inventory each year?” ranged widely, from below $10,000 to nearly $1 million, but the average was about $150,000. If that figure is extrapolated to the entire NCA membership, the organization’s members as a whole spend nearly $15 million a year! Another question asked members to rank factors that go into their decision to purchase products. Not surprisingly, quality came out on top. That was followed by, “The product will be unique in my store (in my community),” which speaks to the sentiment among NCA members that they need to sell interesting products that are not easily found at the more general retailers in their community. The availability of discounts for NCA members and the in-stock status of the products also were ranked as very important by members. March/April 2022
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Morris Adds Jazwares, Halco
Morris Costumes has enjoyed a growth spurt over the past six months. The company, which makes its own décor items and distributes other manufacturers’ costumes to retailers, is now handling distribution for Jazwares and has acquired Halco. Jazwares is a significant addition to Morris’ distribution line because the company has the license for Marvel costumes, including Captain America, Spiderman, the Incredible Hulk and Iron Man. Jazwares also has a Star Wars line. “We’re excited about the Jazwares line,” says Scott Morris, president of Morris Costumes. “It’s a quality line and we think it will be well received by the consumer.” In the case of Halco, Morris Costumes made an outright acquisition. The company, best known for its Santa suits, had been run by Terri Greenberg and was owned by her family for 70 years. Greenberg is staying on as a consultant to ensure a smooth transition. All of the company’s operations have moved to Morris’ location in North Carolina. “We are happy about bringing Halco into the Morris family,” Scott says. “They have fantastic family values and a deep concern for product quality and delivery. The product will continue to be made in the same manner and with the same quality as always. It’s second to none.” Morris Costumes itself was sold to Oriental Trading Co. in March 2021.
Planning Underway for NCA’s Centennial Celebration
The NCA is going to be 100 years old in 2023. And when something reaches the ripe old age of 100, you should throw a party — and it is a party we want to throw! We want everyone to come — current members, retired members, and prospective members. It will be a weekend of reuniting with old friends and meeting the new members who are continuing the NCA legacy. And don’t forget the BIG cake! And a lot more! So, 2023 will a big year for the NCA — plan to be part of it. Stay tuned for details.
