By Pam Markel
Many of our members are aware acquainted with our dear English member Sylvia Luckman. She was such a creative presence in our organization. Many of you member her beautiful entries in the Creative Style Show, and her overwhelming help in the bookstore at National Conventions.
But….did you know she wrote articles for Progressive Party magazine in the United Kingdom? In the June/July 2008 issue of this publication she shared some insights of Halloween retailers “Across the Pond” as she so lovingly calls it.
One Spring Fling outing at the Pocock’s home in Ohio, Sylvia interviewed a few fellow costumers; Meralie Pocock from Mr. Fun’s in Ohio, Debbie Meredith from Akron Designs in Ohio, Dennis Markel, Illusive Skull Costume Castle in West Virginia, and Past President Pat Coppock from Andersons Costumes in Indianapolis.
Her lead into the article stated: “With Halloween such a developed market in the US and perhaps an indicator of the way things will go in the UK. I talked to some American retailers about their experiences of this annual scare-fest – and found that the economic downturn is taking its toll.”
The article is posted below for your enjoyment. Retail is retail no matter where in the world you live.
Our dear Sylvia Luckman has passed on, but her charm and kindness will never be forgotten.
