EagleTribune.com, North Andover, MA

New Hampshire

It's peak season for Derry costume store owner

By John Basilesco
jbasilesco@eagletribune.com
Published: October 19, 2008

DERRY — Claire Renaud, 42, has been running the Costume Gallery in downtown Derry for 13 years. Before that, she ran a costume business out of her home for nine years.

She developed a passion for sewing and making costumes while growing up in Vermont. One of 16 children, Renaud said she used to skip school to spend the day at an older sister's house to sew and make costumes.

As Halloween approaches, she and her sales associates on East Broadway expect to be out straight helping customers find just the right costume or accessory for Halloween, she said.

Have costumes and accessories changed over the years?

Yes, rubber masks that cover a person's entire head are no longer popular because they are so uncomfortable. They have been replaced by lightweight latex masks that are in pieces and are much more comfortable to wear.

How many costumes do you sell or rent around Halloween?

Between 1,000 and 2,000. We're out straight the final week. Typically, prices range from $29.99 to $200 to buy a costume. Some, including the "supreme edition" of a Star Wars storm trooper and Darth Vader, go for $800 each.

Do you get many last-minute shoppers this time of the year?

Most people are last-minute shoppers. They panic. They come in and say, "I'm desperate. I waited until the last minute. Do you have anything left?" But we never run out.

What costumes are in demand this Halloween season?

Pirates are really big this year. And KISS, the band, is huge, probably because of the Gene Simmons show, "Family Jewels."

Do you wear any of the costumes yourself?

Yes. Two friends and I dressed up in ABBA costumes for the opening of the movie "Mama Mia" over the summer at Flagship Cinema in Derry. We were treated like celebrities.

You're open all year long. What kind of costumes do people rent throughout the year?

Christmas is very big for Santa Claus rentals for office parties and parades and other events. There's a demand for other Christmas costumes, including Mrs. Claus, gingerbread men and Frosty the Snowman. Easter is big for Easter Bunny rentals. We have 100 of those costumes.

Are most of your customers children or adults?

Mostly adults. They get to do this once a year. They get excited about dressing up like somebody else.

Do you have fun?

It's still fun for me. When I work with a couple, one on one, going to a costume party, I enjoy helping them find costumes that suit them. They come into my store in a good mood. You get to be silly and have fun with them. It's not like going to the dentist for a root canal.

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