SCHENECTADY, N.Y. (NEWS10) — For many Halloween stores, the price of costumes increased this year due to higher overseas tariffs. However, one local Schenectady shop has found a way to beat the tariffs, allowing their prices to stay completely the same as last year.
Deshannee Johnice, president and CEO of the Costumer in Schenectady said about 75% of their inventory comes from countries like China and India. But overseas shipments have become trickier than usual this year, after President Donald Trump announced higher tariffs on goods from those countries.
“Well, I mean our first thought, probably like everyone’s again, panic. Like oh my goodness. You know, there’s only so much you can pass on to a customer before it’s untenable,” said Johnice. “So, our first thought was we need a strategy.”
That strategy was to get ahead of the tariffs, as fast as they could.
“So like back in April and May you know, starting to make orders so that we would have them by Halloween and you know, get ahead of at least the worst part of the tariffs, which allows us to come into this season in a really good position for our customer,” said Johnice.
Johnice shared that with this strategy, their prices were able to stay completely flat. Which is not something that all costume stores can say. In a statement, CEO of Spirit Halloween, Steven Silverstein said they are working on a long-term solution for price hikes.
“As has been widely reported, more than 90% of seasonal merchandise for Halloween and Christmas is imported from China. As a result, the impact of tariffs on these products will be significant. Like many retailers, we are working hard to manage these challenges through a multi-pronged approach. We are taking a long-term perspective, while remaining focused on growth – and are proud to be on track to open over 1,500 Spirit Halloween locations this season,” said Silverstein in a statement.
Johnice said despite beating many of the tariffs, there were still other challenges for the shop this year. She described that some of the inventory came in a smaller amount than requested, and that they had to be selective with their choices.
“We couldn’t buy everything like there are things in the past that you’re like, ‘Oh these are cute, these are nice to have,’ no nice to haves in the tariff environment,” said Johnice. “In the tariff environment you buy just what you need, and just what you think that the customer is going to want in the season.”
Furthermore, the Costumer is open all year round. However, Halloween is definitely their busiest time of year, which is why getting this right, was especially important for them.
“It’s our Christmas,” said Johnice. “And its like the two weeks that sort of make our year.”
The Costumer has been around for 108 years, and Johnice wants to keep it going for another 108.
“It’s not just 108 years in business, its 108 years of costume excellence,” said Johnice.
Johnice shared that the store is prepared to take these same steps next year if the tariff rates continue.
