National Independent Costume Store Day Debuts October 10

New annual celebration invites communities to shop local, dress up and discover the creative businesses behind the costumes

CHICAGO, IL, UNITED STATES, September 10, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — Independent costume stores across North America will step into the spotlight on Saturday, October 10, 2026, for the first-ever National Independent Costume Store Day.

Created by the National Costumers Association (NCA), the annual celebration will take place on the second Saturday of October—just as Halloween excitement begins to build. Inspired by Independent Bookstore Day and Record Store Day, it will encourage people to shop locally and discover the creativity, craftsmanship and personal service found inside independent costume stores.

These businesses do far more than help people get dressed for Halloween. They create costumes for school plays and professional productions, assist cosplayers and performers, support festivals and community events, preserve historic garments and traditional skills, and help customers transform an idea into a character.

“Independent costume stores are places where imagination becomes something you can actually wear,” said Courtland Hickey, owner of Chicago Costume and vice president of the NCA. “They bring together creativity, craftsmanship, history, enthusiasm and wonderfully knowledgeable people. National Independent Costume Store Day gives us a chance to celebrate these unique businesses and remind people how much they contribute to their communities throughout the year.”

Participating stores will create their own local celebrations, which may include costume showcases, customer appreciation events, behind-the-scenes tours, cosplay meetups, theater collaborations, educational programs, contests and charity fundraisers.

The goal is simple: get people through the doors of their local costume stores, introduce a new generation to the fun and magic found inside, and celebrate the independent businesses that have helped communities dress up, perform and play for decades.

Participating stores and events: www.costumers.org/national-independent-costume-store-day-2026/

ABOUT THE NATIONAL COSTUMERS ASSOCIATION
Founded in 1923, the National Costumers Association represents independent costume retailers and manufacturers across North America. The organization supports the artistic, historical, educational and social value of costuming while promoting professional and ethical business standards. Learn more at www.costumers.org.

Ed Avis
National Costumers Association
+1 708-218-7755
executivedirector@costumers.org
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