Editor's Note: We received the letter below from former NCA member Susan Betts, owner of Actors Attic in Dover, Delaware. She would like to sell the business and/or the inventory, so we are sharing this to help her find a buyer. If you are interested, please contact Susan at susan@actorsattic.com.
In 2020, after over 40 years as Delaware’s largest year-round costume and theatrical supply business, I had to close my doors due to the devastating impact of COVID-19. I ran a 20,000 sq. ft. operation, with retail, rental, and theatrical lighting/sound supplies. Before shutting down, I sold off as much inventory as I could, and stored the rest.
To survive, I pivoted to my “Plan B” — embroidery, screen printing, signage, etc., which I’ve run since 1985 during slower costume periods. That side of the business is now my bread and butter. I operate out of a smaller 3,400 sq. ft. space and continue to thrive, but the remaining costume inventory — about 7,200 items with an estimated retail value of $100,000 — is just sitting in a clean, dry storage area. Mentally and emotionally, it's time for it to go.
These are not cheap party-store throwaways. This is solid, high-end to mid-level stock from manufacturers like Elope, Rubies, Forum, California Costumes, Pleaser, Alan Sloane, Lacey, Zucker, American Plume, and many more. We also have quality rental costumes from Tabis, Charades, WestBay, Hat Cap Exchange, Flashback to Freedom, and others.
The inventory covers a wide range of categories — Christmas, Cinco de Mayo, Renaissance, pirates, superheroes, Civil War, clowns, flappers, 70s, historical figures, kids and adults, and more — including accessories like gloves, wigs, feathers, and more.
I’ve tried selling online (eBay, Marketplace), but it’s extremely time-consuming alongside my current business. I’ve also tried to find someone who truly loves costumes and wants to grow a business, but haven’t yet found the right fit. I’m not looking to make a profit — I’m looking to give someone a major leg up by letting the inventory go at a fraction of cost.
There’s a real opportunity here: southern Delaware has no year-round costume business. With low taxes, low business insurance, and a growing population from surrounding states, this region is ripe for someone passionate about theater, performance, or retail to step in and make it work.
If you know anyone seriously interested — someone who wants to boost their inventory or start a business with almost no local competition — please feel free to pass along my contact info or have them email me directly.
Susan Betts
If you are interested, please contact Susan at susan@actorsattic.com.