(Filed Under wholesale Costume News). Ted Vayos, associate publisher of BODY, interviewed several Halloween costume retailers about their experiences in the market this past season. According to most, sales were better this year than those in the recent past. A number of store interviews will appear in this series over the next few weeks.

Frank Bee Stores

Ted Vayos, BODY: How did sexy costumes sell this year?

Wayne & Douglas Baker of Frank Bee Stores: Last year 2012 sales in sexy costumes were so so, it was slow before Sandy but, this year it did make a real comeback.  Customers came in looking for sexy costumes, tights, fishnets...all the stuff that goes with it. They are still buying the $40-$60 costumes despite the economy people are celebrating Halloween. We worked hard this year giving early bird discounts in July, August and September. I gave everyone that walked into the store a 20% off coupon.  We were not taking any chances I cannot go up against the big box stores. We worked very hard months before the season to bring the customer to Frank Bee. Every Saturday and Sunday we did free face painting, free balloons, free magic shows, free entertainment.  A kids day.  You have to give back if you want the customer to come back.

Ted Vayos: Who gave you the best buying advice for this season?

Wayne & Douglas Baker: I am a very straight and sincere person. The people at Dreamgirl from the guy running the show Christopher Scharff to our sales representative Anthony Stefano gave the best advice. They were looking out for the stores for the long term and not the short term. I was surprised that such a big company to tell you “if you have merchandise, try and sell what you have freshen it up a bit, but buy where you feel comfortable, buy in your means”, he spoke to you like the old timers would, he wasn’t trying to snowball you and load you up with things you didn’t need.  

Ted Vayos: Who was your key suppliers this season for sexy costumes?

Wayne & Douglas Baker: This season we bought a equally amount from Leg Avenue and Dreamgirl. Leg Avenue’s Sexy Catwoman and Dreamgirl’s Sexy Mad Hatter were stand outs. We also did very well with both Leg Avenue’s and Dreamgirl’s nurse and cop costumes. Rubies and Disguise super hero costume licenses were also very hot sellers. Horror licenses like Rubie’s Mrs. Kruger, Franco’s Sexy Chucky did very well for us. The customer still wants these Iconic horror, DC and Marvel characters. Another very big seller were the Skin Suits from Rubies and Forum Novelties.

more wholesale Costume News >>

Published 12-04-2013 by Ted Vayos