The 2019 Buyer’s Group

The Buyers Group: An Important NCA Membership Perk

My duty is to make sure everyone knows the value of membership in the National Costumers Association. The Buyers Group is what first attracted me to the NCA. My frugal side demands that I attempt to get the best possible deal when purchasing products to maximize profits. When I discovered the NCA and its fabulous Buyers Group program, I achieved that goal.

Our business—Discount Costumes in Warner Robins, Ga.—joined the NCA in 2006, when we only offered rental costumes, inflatables and balloon decorating in our 2,500-sq.-ft. building. Within five years, we opened a second, 3,600-sq.-ft. location stocked wall-to-wall with costumes and accessories in the same city. We are now looking for an even larger facility. Without the NCA, especially The Buyers Group’s superb discounts for NCA members, this would not have happened.

As past membership chairperson, I speak with business owners who have expressed three common concerns about The Buyer’s Group:

“I am a Rental Only store, so I do not need it.” Rental was all my business did at first. Don’t be afraid to test the waters; you will be pleasantly surprised. The Buyers Group includes companies that offer costumes you can rent or sell. I find that decade-themed costumes are a yearround commodity. This is a great way to start, then you can go up from there.

“I am a very small shop and can’t afford even the minimums.” Some vendors offer initial orders as low as $100 to NCA members. Some companies might make you order more to get discounts, but I find that just lowering the minimums has been helpful to me.

“I can’t afford to go to the Halloween & Party Expo (HPE) to get the discounts.” That’s the beauty of it—NCA members receive a booklet that lists participants and their discounts. Additional savings are available by going to the HPE Show; however, as long as you have a computer, you will get monthly email blasts from companies touting special offers above and beyond their regular Buyers Group discounts. Some include free shipping plus discounts as high as 90 percent off. So join the National Costumers Association now—you’ll get your membership dues back in no time!

Marion Bradley NCA President

NCA Vendors offer discounts to NCA Members

NCA vendors once again will offer specific Buyers Group Programs to NCA members for the 2019 buying year. These programs are offered as a way to help support you and your bottom line. Our vendors strive to help us all succeed. In return we should strive to make these fellow NCA vendor members successful by continuing to buy products from them.

When putting your 2019 orders together, ask yourself: “Is this an NCA vendor member? If not, do I want to order my product from this vendor, or do I want to look for similar product that a fellow member carries so we can support each other?” If you order from a non-member company, encourage them to become a member and offer an NCA Buyers Group Program. It is important to take advantage of these programs so our vendors know we support them the way that they support us.

The companies listed on the following pages have pledged special discounts to NCA members. Remember to list your NCA member number on ALL orders, even for firms not listed here, to show industry vendors the strength of our organization. If you notice an additional discount is provided, please contact the NCA office at 800-NCA-1321 so we can assist the supplier in publishing the great discounts. The National Costumers Association, its officers, or its representatives, are not responsible for errors in this printing. Always verify all discounts and terms with the company before finalizing purchases.

2019 Vendor Buyers Group programs continue to come in. As of the printing of this issue the Buyers Group Programs for 2019 are as follows. Watch your e-contacts for more information and updates.

Bauer Pacific Im ports (SILVER)

www.bauerimports.com (925) 294-4002; Fax (925) 294-4063 bauerpacificimports@comcast.net

174 Lawrence Dr Ste A, Livermore, CA 94551 Contact: David Bauer Specialties: Venetian and festive masks, costume accessories, Halloween décor, Mardi Gras, luau, lanterns, hats, wigs, boas, disco balls, umbrellas. Discount: NCA members in good standing receive: Orders over $1000, 5%; orders over $2,500, 7%; orders over $5,000, 10%. Terms: New accounts must prepay their orders by Visa/Mastercard or money order. Established accounts receive 30-day payment terms from date of shipment. A 2.5% monthly finance charge will be applied to delinquent accounts. To apply for an open account a minimum order of $250 and a credit application must be completed and approved. Please note: All discounts and special prices are void if not paid within terms. BEISTLE CO MPANY (SILVER)

www.beistle.com (717) 532-2131 dmholdren@beistle.com

1 Beistle Plaza, Shippensburg, PA 17257 Contact: Doug Holdren Specialties: Costume accessories, hats, and beads. Seasonal and theme decorations and accessories, Elvira licensed décor. Discount: 10% discount, prepaid freight on $400 orders. Terms: 1%/10 Net 30, Halloween dating –pending credit approval. Additional terms and conditions on back page of catalog. CA MDEN PASSAGE (SILVER)

www.camdenpassage.com (888) 755-5578; Fax (888) 955-5578 info@camdenpassage.com

115 First St., Collingwood, ON L9Y 4W3 Contact: Tushar Mehta Specialties: Loox Theatrical Contact Lenses. Moon Creations Face/Body Paint and Theatrical Make Up. Discount: 5% Off. Net 30 days payment terms.

DRESS UP AMERICA TOY INC .

(SILVER)

www.dressupamerica.com (718) 436-0031; Fax (718) 775-3200 sales@dressupamerica.com

234 Lee Ave. 8th Floor, Brooklyn, NY 11206 Contact: Barry Grossman Specialties: We have excellent quality costumes and accessories for all ages as well as Pretend FUNNY FAS HION USA (SILVER) Play Dress Up. www.funnyfashion.com Discount: NCA members are entitled to a (719) 260-7744; Fax (719) 260-7743 10% discount. Free shipping for orders above info@funnyfashion.com $1,500. Halloween dating (subject to credit 1015 Garden of the Gods Rd., Suite 150 approval). Colorado Springs, CO 80907 Terms: Halloween dating terms applicable Contact: Diane Lutz only to Halloween orders shipping after Specialties: Balloons, balloon accessories, June 1, 2019. large selection of value-priced Halloween, ELLIE SHOES INC . (SILVER) www.ellieshoes.com (714) 771-0015; Fax (714) 771-0057 info@ellieshoes.com 1050 N. Batavia Street #B, Orange, CA 92867 Contact: Leslie Wandell Masquerade and Theatrical costumes and accessories. Discount: Discounts are based on past and current purchases. Please inquire. Terms: Halloween dating November 10, 2019 WAC, FOB Funny Fashion Distribution Point. Specialties: Ellie Shoes has footwear for all FUN WORLD /IN CHARACTER (SILVER) your costuming needs! www.fun-world.net Discount: 5% year round, 10% from Jan 1 – (516) 873-9000; Fax (516) 873-9005 March 31, 2019, 12% at Halloween & Party alex@fun-world.net Expo ( Jan 25 – Jan 27, 2019). 80 Voice Road , Carle Place, NY 11514 Terms: Please have NCA membership number Contact: Alex Losito included on the purchase order, e-mail, or fax. Specialties: Costumes, wigs, masks, weapons, Halloween dating subject to CIT approval. accessories, décor, make up, Santa suits, beards, ELOPE , INC . (SILVER) www.elope.com (719) 328-1312, Fax (719) 328-1261 info@elope.com 10035 Federal Dr., Colorado Springs, CO 80908 Contact: Kelli Borel Riedmiller Specialties: High quality novelty and costume hats and accessories for licensed and elope originals. Discount: 10% discount on first time order and 5% discount on all reorders (except Disney and sale items). Terms: Credit card on first 3 orders. After 3rd order, Net 30 terms may be requested with Valentines, St. Patrick’s Day, Easter. 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%. Additionaldiscount 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. This is only available to a USA-based ship-to address. International members please call or email for details. approved credit. GHOULIS H PRODUCTIONS /CARE FORU M NOVELTIES INC . (PLATINUM) www.forumnovelties.com (516) 536-4600; Fax (516) 536-9741 info@forumnovelties.com 1770 Walt Whitman Rd., Melville, NY 11747 Contact: Robert Kamin Specialties: Costumes, masks, makeup, wigs, décor, props, Halloween accessories, jokes, tricks, novelties, Mardi Gras, St. Pats, luau, Christmas. Discount: 5% discount on all orders on all categories; 7% on orders over $5,000; 10% on orders over $10,000; 15% for orders over $15,000. Discounts will be given retroactively at the end of the season. Terms: Halloween dating November 10th. TAS REV S.A. DE C.V. (silver ) www.GhoulishProductions.com 52-777-3181176 adriana.espinosa@ghoulishproductions.com Alfonso Junco #4, Col Lazaro Cardenas, Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico 62080 Contact: Esteban Esponda and Adriana Espinosa Specialties: Latex products: Masks, accessories, appliances. Decoratives, props and display, costumes with masks or accessories. Discount: All NCA members have a 10% discount on every product of Ghoulish or Sporch Catalog. If order is paid before April 1st, you will get an extra 5% discount. Terms: NCA members have the possibility to have a special assortment (Best Sellers

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and Classical Items) with special net price. This promotion should not be combined with previous discount. Graf tobian Make-up(SILVER)

www.graftobian.com (608) 222-7849; Fax (608) 222-7893 ordermakeup@graftobian.com

510 Tasman Street, Madison, WI 53714 Contact: Janine Wardale Specialties: High quality professional makeup for TV/film, stage, HD Beauty, Halloween, fantasy, face and body paints, gore, FX, airbrush. Discount: NCA members will receive a one tier level increase in their earned discount per the schedule on the back of our 2018-19 wholesale catalog. Terms: Orders for the year need to have exceeded $1,000 before discount level increase kicks in. On-time payment is required to maintain discount. HALCO (GOLD)

www.halcoholidays.com (724) 929-7300; Fax (724) 929-7301 info@halcoholidays.com

723 East Railroad Ave, Verona, PA 15147 Contact: Terri Greenberg Specialties: High quality Santa Claus suits: Mrs. Claus, Elves, Santa’s Helpers, Santa & Mrs. Wigs & Beards, Hats, Stockings and Christmas accessories. Discount: NCA members receive a 4% discount on orders placed by 5/31/19 plus 5% discount on orders of $1,500 or more. There is no minimum order. Terms: Credit card or terms given to qualified accounts.

JACO BSON HAT CO MPANY , INC .

(SILVER)

www.jhats.com (570) 342-7887 sales@jhats.com

11301 Ridge Row, Scranton, PA 18510 Contact: Jeff Jacobson Specialties: Costume Headwear and Accessories Discount: Case pack pricing for our new items. Terms: Ship August 1 or sooner payable Nov. 1. MEHRON MAKEUP (SILVER)

www.mehron.com (845) 426-1700; Fax (845) 426-1515 info@mehron.com

100 Red Schoolhouse Rd., Chestnut Ridge, NY 10977 Contact: Peter Sandusky 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 2019 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. Th e Pirate Dressing (SILVER)

www.thepiratedressing.com (321) 445-1837; Fax (888) 229-1577 info@thepiratedressing.com

10685-B Hazelhurst Drive, #12134, Houston, TX 77043 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. Terms: Discounts are only applicable for orders above $500.

RG COSTU MES & ACCESSORIES ,

INC . (SILVER)

www.rgcostume.com (626) 858-9559; Fax (626) 858-9798 halloweenbyrg@aol.com

726 Arrow Grand Circle, Covina, CA 91722 Contact: Roger Lee Specialties: Costumes for Halloween, Thanksgiving, Period, Cosplay, School play and religious. Animal Onesies, Hoodie. Sexy Costumes. Wigs, Hats, Wings, accessories. Discount: 15% discount off listed prices for orders over $500. No discount for order less than $500. Terms: Halloween dating (11/1/2019) for order amount over $1,500. Net 30 days for order amount less than $1,500.

ROC KSTAR WIGS INC . (SILVER)

www.rockstarwigs.com (832) 742-9705; Fax (281) 605-5484 service@rockstarwigs.com

3250 Bingle Road, Houston, TX 77050 Contact: Anna Reger Specialties: Premium synthetic wigs and eye lashes. Discount: Wholesale pricing to members. Terms: Must have a wholesale account with Rockstar. Application available on our website in PDF.

RU BIE ’SCOSTU MECO MPANY

(PLATINUM)

www.rubies.com (718) 326-1500; Fax (516) 326-1713 cinfo@rubies.com

One Rubie Plaza, Richmond Hill, NY 11418 Contact: Patricia Cacciola Specialties: Licensed and non-licensed Halloween Costumes and Accessories for the whole family including pets. Discount: Please contact your local representative or Rubie’s customer service department at 516-326-1500 and ask about details on the New Rubie’s 2019 Discount Schedule. In addition, if your purchases exceed $25,000 in shipped invoices, you will be enrolled in the New Rubie’s Reward Program. Seasons USA , Inc. (SILVER)

www.seasonsusainc.com (844) 405-7046; Fax (315) 737-0253 info@seasonsusainc.com

3963 Oneida St., New Hartford, NY 13413 Contact: Cindy Stuhlman Specialties: Licensed Products, Original Crazy Bonez Skeletons, Halloween Props, Décor, Pumpkin Carving, Costumes & Accessories. Discount: 10% off costumers .org Terms: Net 30 days based on credit approval. Credit cards also accepted. Late payments will void all discounts.

SASSY ROYALS HATS (LORDS &

LADIES ) (SILVER)

www.sassyroyals.com (337) 540-3098; Fax (337) 439-0807 annegmonlezun@yahoo.com

801 West Bayou Pines Dr., Lake Chartres, LA 70601 Contact: Anne Monlezun Specialties: Gatsby headbands, Victoria, Fashion, Showgirl, headpieces and hats. Discount: Free shipping.

SMIFFY’S(PLATINUM)

www.smiffys.com 44-7989597398 dompeckett@smiffys.com

Peckett Plaza, Gainsborough, Lincs, UK Contact: Anne Monlezun Specialties: Costumes, wigs and accessories. Discount: 15%.

Starline LLC (SILVER)

www.starline.la (949) 209-8804; Fax (214) 279-8163 sales@starline.la

3420 Dalworth St., Arlington, TX 76011 Contact: John Wiltgen Specialties: High-quality on-trend women’s sexy costumes and accessories, including a great selection of Plus Sizes from 1-5X. Discount: 8% discount for NCA members. Tiered volume discounts available. Terms: Halloween dating OAC/Net 30 OAC/ Major Credit Cards. Minimum order $300 for new customers (no minimums for existing customers). SUNNYWOOD , INC . (GOLD)

www.sunnywood.net (815) 675-9777; Fax (815) 675-9788 order@sunnywood.net

2503 Spring Ridge Dr., Unit H, Spring Grove, IL 60081 Contact: Tammy Semiletow Specialties: Exquisite rhinestone tiaras, men’s crowns, period pieces, Halloween costumes, Santa suits and accessories. Discount: All year long, you receive dozen pricing on single piece items. Terms: Net 60 terms on all orders under $500 (with approved credit). Net 90 terms on all orders over $500 (with approved credit). Member Privileges cannot be used in combination with any other special discounts or promotions. Trick or Treat Studios (SILVER)

www.trickortreatstudios.com (831) 713-9665; Fax (831) 621-4763 sales@trickortreatstudios.com

3085 Carriker Lane, Ste. E, Soquel, CA 95073 Contact: Teresa Ganaden Specialties: We specialize in high-quality licensed masks, costumes, props, and accessories. Discount: Our discount for NCA members is 10% off orders over $1000 and 5% off orders $500-$999. Terms: In order to guarantee full fulfillment of your order, a 50% deposit must be paid by March 15th. Once a deposit is paid, customers will receive the same discount on any size reorder. West Bay Inc. (gold )

www.westbayinc.com (323) 720-5777; Fax (323) 720-5799 contact@westbayinc.com

7245 E. Oxford Way, Los Angeles, CA 90040 Contact: Addison Lee 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%; $3,500+ = 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. ZAGONE STUDIOS LLC (silver )

www.zagonestudios.com (773) 509-0610; Fax (773) 509-0613 TonyZ@zagonestudios.com

4533 W. North Ave., Melrose Park, IL 60160 Contact: Tony Zagone Specialties: Halloween masks, costumes and accessories. Discount: 12% for orders above $500 and 15% for orders above $1,000. Terms: For discount, credit card at time of

NCA Pl i um, gold & silver members Support our National Costumers Association vendor members as they continue to support you. At the time this publication went to press, the vendor member list for 2019 is as follows:

Platinum Forum Novelties, Inc. Rubie’s Costume Company Smiffy’s

Gold

HALCO Sunnywood West Bay Inc.

Bauer Pacific Imports Beistle Company Camden Caufield’s Cinema Secrets Costume Inventory

Resources Dreamgirl

International

silver

Dress Up America Toy Jacobson Hat Company

Inc. Kalan LP Ellie’s Shoes Kryolan Professional elope Leg Avenue Froggy’s Fog LLC Mehron, Inc. Funny Fashion, Inc. Morris Costumes Fun World Pirate Dressing Ghoulish Productions Rasta Imposta Graftobian Makeup RG Costumes & HALCO Accessories, Inc. Rockstar Wigs Sassy Royals Hats Seasons USA Starline LLC Tabi’s Characters/

Creative Costuming Trick or Treat Studios Underwraps Zagone Studios

Larry Dockter, Owner Broadway Costumes Sacramento, California costumesbybroadway.com

It isn’t that common these days to find a costume shop that’s been around for more than half a century—especially one that’s remained in the same family for decades and continues to thrive. Broadway Costumes & Theatrical Supply in Sacramento, California, is one of those businesses.

This brick-and-mortar shop has maintained its position as Sacramento’s leading costume rental and supply store thanks to the hard work of third generation owners Larry and Deanna Dockter. The Costumer spoke with Larry to learn a bit more about the business, and to find out which costumes he counts among his favorites. As you’ll see, he couldn’t narrow it down to one!

Larry and Deanna Dockter

The Costumer: Your business has such a great history. It is wonderful you’ve been able to keep it in the family, which sadly is a rarity. What made you decide to keep the business in the family?

Larry Dockter: I’ve been around the store since its inception by my grandmother [ Juanita Belle Petrali] in 1965, playing under the racks early on. I eventually volunteered during the busy Halloween season to help my mom [Karen Meadows] and my aunt [Kathy Felgenhauer], when they owned the store, renting out costumes and selling makeup or accessories. Eventually it was just my aunt owning the shop, and when she needed extra help about five years ago, my wife Deanna and I started helping out more and more. My wife eventually was run

f eb |March 2019 28 costum ers.org

ning the store by herself after my aunt’s health no longer allowed her to be here full time, and I was coming in evenings and weekends after my regular day job ended to also help out. I retired in April 2017 from my “day job,” and with my wife, bought the store from my aunt—and here we are today. Why, you ask? We decided this would be a good way to spend our retirement years and to continue on my grandmother’s legacy. It’ll be 55 years strong in 2020!

The Costumer: There must be so many costumes that you’ve worked with.

What do you consider one of your favorites and why?

Dockter: There are many favorites—it always depends on the season and event. We specialize or concentrate on periods and theatre, so Victorian,

Renaissance and Medieval all rent well. Pirates always look great. If it’s

Christmas, of course we have to rent

Santa, Mrs. Claus, Santa’s helpers and elves, and a menagerie of animals like donkeys and camels—and yes, even the Grinch. At Easter, we have rabbits to rent! Our 1920s gangster-style doublebreasted suits are vintage, and many were actually used in the movies—always snazzy!

Of course, my favorites are the fun ones—like me in the turn-of-the-century swimsuit, or the Three Little Pigs, or the creative ones that our customers put together, like the ghoulish maid and butler. If you notice, on their trays they actually laid out an assortment of various bloody body parts and have a tray of drinks (high balls or “eye balls”)!

What is your favorite costume? To be considered for an upcoming My Favorite Costume profile, email Editor Kathleen Furore at kfurore@yahoo.com.