Well-suited: Owner says his store is perfect fit for Vegas

Las Vegas is a perfect place for a year-round costume store, according to a local business owner.

“Because of the nature of the city, with the entertainment and the parties, we have a sustainable business that caters to people’s needs all year ‘round,” said Bob Love, who is in charge of costume rental at Star Costume & Theatrical Supply, 3230 S. Valley View Blvd., Suite 120.

The business is in its 40th year and has grown to be one of the largest costume stores in Nevada and a top theatrical makeup retailer in the state.

Costumes are just one part of what the business offers.

“We provide makeup for shows, theater and school productions,” said Star Costume & Theatrical Supply owner Marc Salls. “Theatrical makeup is the bread and butter for a variety of shows and is very necessary, day in and day out.”

The store also offers classes for people to learn how to do theatrical makeup, how products work and how to use them on a regular basis.

“Educating people on materials and products is as important to show business in general as it is to us,” Salls said.

But makeup is not the only thing that makes the store successful. It is also the fact that it has partnerships with different entities and community organizations.

“We work very closely with municipalities and with the school district,” Salls said. “The temporary costume stores don’t do that, so those partnerships are a big thing for us because we get involved in the community and that sets us apart from others.”

The store also has partnerships with hotels, casinos and clubs on the Strip to caters to their costume needs.

“We do events for the hotels and casinos all the time,” Salls said. “They have conventions and parties, for which they need specific outfits. Most recently, for instance, we provided 600 togas for a party at a club on the Strip.”

Love said Las Vegas makes for a good place for his career to thrive.

“Because it is Vegas, the clubs and hotels keep me busy,” Love said.

Love said half the store’s yearly revenue comes from retail sales during Halloween and Christmas seasons, and the rest comes from the store’s partnerships.

“We have over 2,500 rental costumes, out of which 100 are Elvis costumes,” Love said. “That is something that would only happen here in Las Vegas because when people think of Elvis, they think of Las Vegas. For tourists, especially now from Europe, Vegas would not be Vegas without Elvis, and we are here to fulfill that need.”

Salls said Elvis costumes are popular among male customers, and Marilyn Monroe wigs are a big draw for women.

“Because the business is so specific sometimes, we have a full fabrication department where if somebody cannot find something in the market that they like, we will build it for them,” Salls said. “We custom-make any costume our clients need. I’ve built Elvis outfits to fit men up to size 6x.”

Star Costume & Theatrical Supply draper Jose Licour said he has worked at the store for 11 years and has made unique pieces.

“The custom-made pieces are so special sometimes that they are one of a kind,” he said. “I like that we can make that happen for the customers.”

Salls said things have turned around significantly since he opened his store.

“When I became owner of Star Costume & Theatrical Supply 20 years ago, it was a very hard business,” he said. “It still is, but the fact that we have adapted to the Las Vegas environment and how it has changed over time is what has made us so successful.”