TOPEKA (KSNT) – With Halloween less than two weeks away, one Topeka business is seeing strong customer interest and hopes this year’s season will be one of its better ones.
Beverly Bernardi Post, owner of Beverly Bernardi Post Conservatory of Dance, said Halloween is a crucial time for the business, which has more than 14,000 costumes available to buy or rent.
“We carry costumes year round for any kind of event, but we have so many people come in because they want something unique for Halloween,” Post said. “They just don’t want a regular Halloween costume.”
Post said she initially worried about how the economy might impact sales this year, but she’s encouraged by the number of customers coming in and recommending the shop to others.
“Actually, I think it’s going to end up being better,” Post said. “We’ve had a lot of people come in, and that’s been good. I was a little worried because of the economy. But now we have so many of these people bringing back other people. And so, I think it’s actually it could end up being one of our better years.”
Post has also noticed a change in what customers are looking for. While the shop carries traditional Halloween costumes, she said more people are interested in unique outfits, including Renaissance and historical costumes.
“They want things different if they’re going to do it, if they’re going to go to a party, they want something very unique and different,” Post said.
Burger Bus food truck will be closed in 2027, here’s why
The business offers costumes for both purchase and rental. Post said the shop orders costumes from theatrical and production companies to give customers more options.
“We also do buy or rent,” Post said. “So, that’s another key that’s been really good this year.”
As Halloween approaches, Post said the final days of the season are especially important for sales. She has noticed some customers waiting later than usual to shop and has received calls from people planning to visit before Oct. 31.
“Very, very, very important,” Post said of the final days before Halloween. “One thing I have found, I think people waited a little bit later this year. I’ve had so many phone calls of I’m coming, I’m coming.”
Although Halloween is a major part of the business, costumes are available throughout the year for other occasions. The conservatory also holds dance classes, and Post said preparing for Halloween takes work to accommodate the costume collection and other activities.
“We still have dance classes going on,” Post said. “We move all the racks back when it’s time to dance,” Post said. “However, there has been a lot of volunteers, a lot of people through the years who have helped us.”
Post said the business has served the Topeka community for years and remains committed to providing costume options for local customers.
“I’ve lived in Topeka my whole life,” Post said. “I want to serve Topekans, and they seem very appreciative to have what is the last privately owned Halloween store in Topeka.”
With Halloween just days away, Post said the season remains an important boost for the business, and she hopes customer interest continues through Oct. 31.
Beverly Bernardi Post Conservatory of Dance is open every day from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and is located at 5938 SW 17th St. in Topeka.
For more local news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news in northeast Kansas by downloading our mobile app and by signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track Weather app by clicking here.
