How do I sell a costume shop?

A costume shop holds a lot that is hard to see from outside: a wardrobe built over years, pieces made by hand, and customers who return every autumn or every spring show. A buyer will want to see all of it. Make the shop easy to understand with organized records.

Time the sale around the busy season

Buyers want to understand the Halloween peak, and the quiet months around it. Talk with your broker or advisor about whether to list before the season, so buyers can watch it, or after, when your records are fresh. Neither is always right. Choose a timing when you can show clear numbers.

Count and document the rental wardrobe

Build an inventory of rental pieces: what each is, its condition, how often it is hired and whether it is complete. Photograph the best items. Retire what is damaged or out of date, and say so openly. A buyer who finds gaps after the count will question the rest of what you have told them.

Separate your own work and hand over the accounts

Make a list of pieces you designed or sewed yourself, and say whether you will keep any or make more for the new owner. Then write down your theatre, school and event accounts: who they are, what they usually order and when. Offer introductions and a handover period. Your accountant can advise on how the stock is shown in the books.