For more than a century, the National Costumers Association (NCA) has served as the leading professional organization representing independent costume retailers, theatrical costumers, manufacturers, designers, rental companies, and costume professionals throughout North America. Founded in 1923, the Association exists to promote the artistic, historical, educational, and business interests of the costume industry while encouraging ethical business practices and fostering collaboration among its members.
While many people associate costumes only with Halloween, independent costume shops serve their communities every day of the year. They provide wardrobes for school plays, Broadway productions, community theatres, television and film productions, festivals, museums, historic sites, parades, theme parks, sporting events, conventions, charity fundraisers, haunted attractions, educational programs, and countless celebrations that bring people together through creativity and imagination.
These independently owned businesses are far more than retail stores. They preserve theatrical history, maintain extensive costume archives, create custom mascots and specialty garments, teach makeup and costuming techniques, employ skilled artists and craftspeople, and help generations of performers, educators, and families bring stories to life. Their work supports local economies, inspires creativity, and enriches the cultural fabric of communities across the United States and Canada.
NICSD: A Celebration!
To celebrate these remarkable businesses and raise awareness of their contributions, the National Costumers Association proudly introduces National Independent Costume Store Day, an annual celebration dedicated to recognizing and supporting locally owned costume shops. The event will be held on the second Saturday of October, which falls on October 10 in 2026.
National Independent Costume Store Day encourages consumers to discover the unique experience only an independent costume store can provide. Unlike seasonal retailers, these businesses offer personalized service, professional expertise, theatrical-quality products, rentals, custom fabrication, repairs, makeup instruction, and decades of accumulated knowledge that simply cannot be replicated by online marketplaces or temporary pop-up stores.
The celebration also shines a spotlight on the thousands of talented people working behind the scenes—from costume designers, seamstresses, sculptors, fabricators, wig stylists, and makeup artists to retail professionals and rental specialists—whose creativity makes performances, celebrations, and unforgettable memories possible.
Communities, schools, theatres, businesses, and families are encouraged to participate by visiting their local costume shop, attending special events, sharing stories and memories, supporting local retailers, and celebrating the creativity that costumes inspire.
Whether preparing for a school production, a Halloween celebration, a community festival, a film production, a cosplay event, or simply encouraging imaginative play, independent costume stores continue to prove that costumes do much more than help people dress up—they help people tell stories, celebrate traditions, build confidence, and create lasting memories.
The National Costumers Association is proud to establish National Independent Costume Store Day as a lasting celebration of an industry that has quietly served communities for generations, ensuring that creativity, craftsmanship, and the joy of costuming continue to thrive for years to come.