By Ed Avis
The members of the National Costumers Association have a significant impact on the overall costume industry, according to a survey of members in April 2026.
The survey, which was completed by 23 Buyer Members, revealed that the average amount of money NCA member shops spend on inventory is $151,000 per year. The range of inventory investment varies greatly, of course. The least amount reported was just $5,000; the most was $600,000.
By extrapolating the average $151,000 to the entire NCA Buyer membership of 109, we calculate that NCA members spend a total of $16.5 million on inventory each year. That’s a lot of costumes, accessories and make-up!
“We always knew NCA members played an important role in the overall costume industry, but it’s good to have solid data to back that up,” says Terry Sinopoli, president of the NCA and general manager and partner of Arlene’s Costumes in Rochester, New York. “Of course, these figures are just part of the story – the impact that individual stores have on the economy of their own local communities is s many times greater. NCA members truly make a difference locally and across the country!”