Jollyjesters Fancy Dress is a Derbyshire-based costume retail and hire shop with thousands of quality costumes to choose from. Owner Kate Moore talks us through what has been selling well throughout Q1.
Adult Fancy Dress; pirate costumes from Smiffys and Wicked Costume
“There has been no real pattern since Christmas which is unusual. We have seen a total range from cavemen and lifeguards to the decades and tarts and vicars – pirates are as popular as ever. One thing we have noticed is some of the usual themes have dropped away for example saloon girl, can-can and camouflage outfits.”
Children’s Fancy Dress; Rubie’s, Smiffy’s and Wicked Costumes – Harry Potter, Fantastic Mr Fox, Willie Wonka, pirates, Vikings, Roman girls.
“The supermarkets had a bit of a monopoly on David Walliams characters for World Book Day but we sold lots of Harry Potter and Roald Dahl-themed costumes. Harry Potter was the full range of characters and the kids were very specific with how they wanted their costumes to look! Pirates are still popular for boys and girls.”
Accessories; wigs from Wicked Costumes and neon pieces from Wicked and Smiffys
“There’s still a lot of 80s and 90s dress up and people are accessorising their own clothes as a base for this, so they often buy neon beads, bangles, leg warmer, tutus, gloves or maybe hot pants or a ra-ra skirt. We don’t really compete with the chains for St. Patrick’s Day but as it was a Saturday there were more structured events so we did do a few deely boppers and hats.”
Face Paints; Snazaroo, PaintGlow
“We mainly sell makeup by Snazaroo and PaintGlow, and people are doing lots of full face in colour so blue for Smurfs, green the The Hulk, orange for Oompa Loompas, etc.”
Anything Else? Funeral fancy dress
“We mainly cater for birthday parties or wedding anniversaries but occasionally get a totally unique request. We recently dressed a man as a parrot for his friend’s funeral and another funeral the whole congregation dressed in 50s rock n roll.”
