AhaHaHa Jokes and Novelties is a popular costume and party shop based in Edinburgh. Owner Cathie Cowen talks us through what has been selling well in recent weeks.
Costumes; Pirates, Mexican sombreros and ponchos, flapper dresses (Smiffys)
“Costumes continue to be pretty random at the moment. We are currently selling a lot of the old standards like pirates, nurses and vicars. The 20s is very popular, as is the 80s still. There’s lots of students here so we sell a lot more accessories than full costumes.”
Hen and Stag; Gimp costume, Pink Ladies jackets (Smiffys)
“For the stags we’re not selling so many superhero costumes these days – but we do get lots of requests for the Smiffys gimp costume! For the hens, it’s mainly accessories like the tutus and tiaras, but if they do dress up the official Grease Pink Ladies jackets do well.”
Accessories; Wigs, overhead masks (Smiffys, Rubie’s, Bristol Novelty)
“Dressing up as Donald Trump has been really popular. People buy the Smiffys or Rubie’s wig and some orange body paint and we’ve managed to source some ‘Make America Great Again’ red caps. The Bristol Novelty brown horse head is a social media favourite and is also selling very well.”
Anything Else? Horror masks (Rubie’s, Palmer Agencies)
“A Horror Con event was recently in Edinburgh so there was a surge of sales in V for Vendetta, Saw Jigsaw and Friday 13th hockey masks, as well as fake blood, latex and synthetics.”
Eurovision; Lumberjack beards
“As well as the usual glitter, sequins and kitsch partyware selling well for Eurovision parties, we also did a good trade in lumberjack-style beards with a lot of people dressing up as 2014 winner Conchita Wurst.”
