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"Our stock changes and is added to all the time," said Catherine Wambua, an officer at Total Escapade.
The shop usually rents out costumes for 48 hours, at a cost of Sh1500 rental and Sh1500 deposit for a child's costume, although costs can vary. They also have a large selection of costumes for adults, and sell many costume accessories, such as wings, tiaras, and masks.
The store also does special offers for school productions."It is great when the children manage to wear authentic costumes for their production," said Catherine, who says they have seen a steady rise in the hiring of costumes as more parents and schools embrace the whole idea of dressing up.
"At first, when it was started, there were some resistance but the idea has grown and more parents are going for costumes that matches the theme of the occasion." Contacts: 0728 935191 or totalescapade@ braeburn.ac.ke
Another shop that deals in costumes is Kate's Collections, an open-air, secondhand store for costumes that is now giving parents a chance to ensure their kids have fun, great photos and memories during parties; as they dress in their favourite character's costumes. Kate's stocks the most popular fancy dress costumes, but also some that are rare and hard to find. Some of the most popular costumes for boys include Spiderman, skeletons, Power Rangers, Batman and Superman; while for girls, the store stocks Spiderwoman, Power Ranger woman, princesses, high school musical costumes, ladybirds, Barbie and Sleeping Beauty.
The store also stocks some of the rarer costumes as well; including Transformer, Ben 10, Lazy Town characters and Hannah Montanah. These, says Kate, are usually hard to find, but move very fast, if in stock. Kate has been selling clothes for the last fifteen years, but only started selling costumes four years ago, because she realized there was demand when she once had a Spiderman costume and saw how people liked it and how fast it moved. She has since been selling costumes mostly for kids aged 13 and below, but now also stocks costumes for grown ups as well.
"I get my stock from South Africa since it is not available locally," said Kate. Most of her customers are internationals and a few upper class Kenyans. "Kenyans who buy such kind of costumes are those who have interacted with foreigners and whose students attend international schools." She also provides party kit and table dressing on request.
"Many parents and party organisers are going for the clothes and costumes that fit the theme of the occasion." She can also order a costume that is not in her stock and have it delivered "so long it's in the market".
A child's costume typically costs Sh500 while an adult's costume costs around Sh1000. Located in Westlands, along Muthithi Road, opposite Occidental Plaza, Kate's collection opens from Monday to Saturday 10am-7pm, so long as it is not raining. For more information or inquiry, call Kate on 0722 731858.
By Galgallo Fayo
