OK, I rarely foray into the controversial territory when it comes to my blog, but I cannot resist it this time. I live in Toronto proper, so this whole big box store thing has not affected my life terribly much. This idealogy tends to belong to the suburbs. Don’t get me wrong, I occasionally find myself in a Walmart or Ikea. They are terribly attractive in many ways. Good prices, large selection and a good return policy. As a Mom, these are all features I find appealing. What’s not so fun you may ask? The crowds in the aisles, the long line-ups at the cash, and the lack of customer service.

I am an independent costume shop. I reside in Toronto, employ local people, and buy from Canadian companies and distributors. As well, I offer my products and services all year long. So this is where my rant begins. The big box stores undercut us small guys at Halloween by selling the same products and accessories that we carry. They do this because they are able to buy direct from the manufacturers in large volumes. But, there are some very big differences that you also need to know before making your buying decisions.

This is where my confession begins. If your buying principles are based solely on price, then by all means, shop at your local big box store. WE CANNOT COMPETE ON PRICE. And please don’t ask us to.

If, however, you have a different shopping philosophy than that, such as, you want to support local businesses and the local economy, or you prefer to shop Canadian or you want to bring your business somewhere that offers customer service, then we independents are for you.

Here is my list of why we are the better way:

• Shopping locally enhances our way of life. Small stores are part of a community feeling, something that breathes life into the environment. It makes our communities cleaner, safer and more beautiful.
• When you shop at an independent, you support local businesses. I don’t think I have to tell you that many of these big box stores are not Canadian owned. In fact, many of the dollars that they generate go south of the border into some pretty deep pockets.
• The big box stores are not socially conscience. Money is the major motivator. Independents base their buying decisions on what is best for the community and how to contribute to their community. As well, we listen to the needs of our customers and adjust to meet their needs
• The independents are neater. I mean, maybe this seems like a silly thing to say, but try to find the costume you want at Halloween when all of the shelves are a disaster, and everything has been picked over. Chaos.
• Customer service. Aside from social conscience, independents offer better customer service, no ifs, ands or buts. You can find an actual “person” to serve you, often times the owner. Isn’t it nice to actually talk to someone about your needs? We answer the phone, we call you back. We offer our expertise to you because we actually have training in this business. We see if we can get you that costume you have been looking all over town for, or we’ll refer you to someone we think will have it. We’ll assist you in your shopping needs. We’ll communicate with you. And we’ll be honest.
• As well, we’ll offer things that the big boxes can’t possibly. We’ll rent costumes. We’ll do custom work. We’ll special order. Once the big boxes are out of stock, that’s it.

I feel better already. I am going to shop locally too, because we independents practice what we preach.

As part of the new Naughty Dress-Up collection, Ms. Dress-Up is now carrying a full line of Playboy costumes. These high end costumes are made from beautiful fabrics and trims and feature exquisite details. They will be hopping into our showroom well before Halloween. Now you don't have to shop south of the border!

http://msdress-up.com/shop/index.php?ma ... 50b8c54a3e

It's still summer, but all of the hot new costumes are arriving weekly well before Halloween. They say the early bird catches the worm, so shop early for the best selection. We now have in our stores a full line of pirate and Pirates of the Carribean costumes and accessories. Other new arrivals in include Spiderman 3 red and black suited Spiderman costumes, Power Rangers, Diego and a large selection of non-licensed costumes and accessories. Expected shortly are 300 Spartan costumes, Harry Potter and Star Wars. Check out our e-store to view our products in the comfort of your own own 24/7.

http://msdress-up.com/shop/index.php?main_page=index

Summer construction work is certain as death and taxes. Street closures and track work make transportation to our business next to impossible. There are no street cars passing our store, the road has been reduced to one lane and there is only marginal parking on side streets. The icing on the cake came this morning when I opened up the store to find a "Porta Potty" parked right in front of my shop.

The new tracks are said to be laid by early September we hope, just in time for Halloween. Keep in mind, you can shop with us on-line and we will deliver. Or if you are on foot, we are still open all summer long for business.

See updated picture - as of today (08/23/07) only one week left to go!

Large Selection, Years of Experience
Located in Toronto’s west end, Ms. Dress-up has over 10 years experience providing costumes, wigs and accessories for theatrical, film and television productions. The shop also caters to the general public, with a large selection of off-the-rack costumes for children and adults. If you don’t see anything you like in store, the staff can custom create any costume to your specifications and can work within your budget.

Costumes for Everyone
Ms. Dress-up understands that kids aren’t the only ones who like to play dress-up. The shop custom makes costumes for adults for Halloween parties, theme parties and any other affair. Popular costumes for adults include those with a little extra sex appeal, like the sexy starlet, red hot riding hood, she devil and sexy nurse outfits. There are even plans for a Naughty Ms. Dress-up store in the future. For kids, there are sizes that will fit toddlers to teens. Pirates (and pirate-themed costumes) are all the rage for kids. Superheroes, ballerinas, and historical fantasy costumes like knights, musketeers and Roman gladiators are also popular.

Threads For The Thrifty
On a budget? Ms. Dress-up carries several ready-made costumes under $25 for adults and children. Adults can choose from options including a basic nun, convict and mad scientist. For kids, inexpensive options include a panda outfit, as well as princess and “sparkle witch” get-ups. Many budget costumes can be dressed up with fun accessories like wigs and make-up that change the costume entirely (go-go dancing nun, anyone?) or take it to the next level (like using fake warts and ugly teeth to create a super scary witch)

Originally at this link:
http://www.torontoplus.ca/home/ms_dress_up/1069702