Despite having been around since the 1970s, Costume Closet – the California-based non-profit costume rental store – looks set to close later this year.
The unique set-up is mostly staffed by volunteers and has been open in different locations since the 1970s, serving families throughout the South Bay area and beyond. Any profits go to the PTAs in the Peninsula school district, as long as they volunteer at least 40 hours per year – the shop has just a handful of paid employees.
However, The Palos Verdes Peninsula Council of PTAs voted last week to recommend shutting down the store. This would mean finding a new home for the thousands of costumes that are rented out to kids and adults throughout the year, for everything from theatre productions to Halloween parties.
The matter will go to a final vote at the annual meeting of the executive board on Friday 16 March, where seven delegates from each PTA will cast votes.
Selina Lai, president of the executive board, said a steady decrease in revenue has been apparent over recent years. With increases in employment and dry cleaning costs, the Costume Closet expects to be at least $6,000 short of breaking even this year.
