Anne Monlezun in a Victorian Riding Hat.
Editor’s Note: Lords & Ladies (Sassy Royals Hats) is a longtime NCA Vendor Member that is famous for fancy hats. Mardi Gras is almost here and Lords & Ladies owner Anne Monlezun is busy with the holiday, but she took a few minutes to answer some questions for the NCA.
Why should costume shops stock hats?
I have always felt that a costume without a hat is not complete! All costume shops should have some type of headpiece that can go basic with any Costume.
If an NCA member hasn’t sold hats before, what should they start with?
I have always thought that a good basic order for a customer that has not handled hats before would be to include some Gatsby headbands, feathered colorful, and basic black or white headbands, pirates, sassy Victorian hats, basic top hats, derbys, and large rim “My Fair Lady” fashion type hats .
How should they display them?
Ideally, on a mannequin with the suggested costume would be nice. But in the event you do not have a mannequin or a mannequin head, I’ve used candle stick holders! They hold a hat nicely. I used pretty ones and it worked well.
How do successful stores promote hats?
Putting a hat in the window of a store will turn heads. As people try on a costume, reach for a hat to go with it so they can see the total picture when they’re standing in front of the mirror.
The Internet is a great place to promote Hats. Show your costumes with a hat matching they’ll buy the whole picture.
What’s the typical profit margin on high-quality hats?
I always price my hats so that a customer can at least double or more the price of the hat. I always look from what the retail end would be to make sure it would sell.
What hat styles are hot right now?
Currently, my large Derby Hats are selling well because the Kentucky Derby will be in May. Green top hats for St. Patrick’s Day are also going well and I’m just finishing in my area selling Mardi Gras hats and they have moved well. When you have a costume shop, don’t think that you’re only going to sell for people that are going to put on a costume. People will buy a hat to go to a wedding, to church, and naturally going to the Kentucky Derby. Put them in the window and on your website, and it will bring people into your store.
Want to reach Anne? Call or text her at 337-540-3098