WYOMING, Mich. — A West Michigan costume store, "The Kostume Room," is scheduled to close sometime in December. The store has been serving the community with costumes from all over for more than 30 years. The business began in a plaza before growing and moving into its current location at 35 36th St SW of Wyoming, MI.
As owners Gayle and Randy Vaartjes prepare for their final Halloween at The Kostume Room, they are also gearing up for a significant retirement sale.
Currently owned by Gayle and Randy Vaartjes, the business first began with Gayle and her sister after Gayle had her daughter.
"I've never been in retail in my life, so I had to learn quick. And it just all started from there. And we did so good the first year. So we thought, huh? And then we found all adults like costumes, too," said Gayle.
The store offers an extensive variety of costumes, ranging from Barbie to movie stars to various careers. While Halloween is a peak time, The Kostume Room also supplies theatrical gear to multiple local schools and caters to events throughout the year.
The Vaartjes began to forge lasting relationships with customers, witnessing them grow from childhood into adulthood. Randy Vaartjes shared the emotional impact of these connections with 13 ON YOUR SIDE.
"We're hearing all kinds of stories about how customers came in as kids with their parents, and now they're bringing their own children," he said.
As the Vaartjes prepare to retire, they remain hopeful about passing the store on to someone else who will continue its legacy. The Kostume Room will remain open until sometime in December and will feature significant sales as they close this chapter.