Local businesses ask for Halloween shopping support
Halloween spending is ranked as one of the top spending holidays of the year according to financial experts. Two local North Fort Myers business owners are asking that community residents consider doing their Halloween shopping at local businesses – versus out-of-state companies that only come in a few months of the year to sell Halloween ware.
“We’re here 365 days a year for kids to get costumes and party supplies,” said Donna Faught, owner of the Fun Tree. “The problem is that out-of-state companies come in and set up shop for six to eight weeks and people are shopping more and more on the Internet, instead of supporting local businesses.”
Masquerade costume shop owner Rod Baer agreed. “If people don’t support local businesses, we may not be here, given to the Internet and quick chain outlets.”
Both owners are asking that area residents at least come and check out the extensive inventories both shops offer. They both rent and sell costumes for kids and adults.
Both are also long-standing business owners in the community. Faught’s business has been in business 35 years and Baer has had his business since 1993. The Fun Tree had relocated to downtown Fort Myers but has recently come back to North Fort Myers, now located at 14130 N. Cleveland Ave. Masquerade is located at 505 Pondella Rd. # 1
They are other Halloween holiday events besides Halloween itself coming up as well that people can shop for.
Faught always costumes people for Fantasy Fest in Key West, and Baer said this year the Zombie Fest that will be held in Fort Myers should have customers coming in too. There is also the annual Fort Myers Beach Pirate Fest this time of year.
Both shops have a wide range of rental and sale costumes with a lot of authentic vintage clothing. They can also put together all kinds of costumes, both said, from Renaissance through the 1950’s and 1960’s.
Each shop has specialties too.
“We have the largest selection of wigs in town – 300 plus,” said Billie Ray Faught, co-owner of The Fun Tree. They are also doing a canned food drive through their busy season. You can get 10 percent off if you bring in canned goods through Oct. 31.
“Our make-up kits are extensive,” said Baer, which will come in handy for Zombie Fest participants. We’ve already rented about 15 costumes for that event.”
What’s hot for Halloween this year? “Michael Jackson,” said Donna Faught.
“Zombies are also big this year,” said Baer.
Both shops will have extended hours the closer it gets to Halloween.
For information on Masquerade, call 997-6275. For information on The Fun Tree, call 652-0041.
Local businesses ask for Halloween shopping support
Halloween is ranked as one of the top spending holidays of the year according to financial experts. Two local North Fort Myers business owners are asking that community residents consider doing their Halloween shopping at local businesses – versus out-of-state companies that only come in a few months of the year to sell Halloween ware.
“We’re here 365 days a year for kids to get costumes and party supplies,” said Donna Faught, owner of the Fun Tree. “The problem is that out-of-state companies come in and set up shop for six to eight weeks and people are shopping more and more on the Internet, instead of supporting local businesses.”
Masquerade costume shop owner Rod Baer agreed.
“If people don’t support local businesses, we may not be here, given to the Internet and quick chain outlets,” he said.
Both owners are asking that area residents at least come and check out the extensive inventories both shops offer. They both rent and sell costumes for kids and adults.
Both are also long-standing business owners in the community. Faught’s store has been in business 35 years and Baer has had his business since 1993. The Fun Tree had relocated to downtown Fort Myers but has recently come back to North Fort Myers, now located at 14130 N. Cleveland Ave. Masquerade is located at 505 Pondella Rd., # 1
There are other holiday events coming up, besides Halloween, that people can shop for.
Faught always costumes people for Fantasy Fest in Key West, and Baer said this year the Zombie Fest that will be held in Fort Myers should have customers coming in, too. There is also the annual Fort Myers Beach Pirate Fest this time of year.
Both shops have a wide range of rental and sale costumes with a lot of authentic vintage clothing. They can also put together all kinds of costumes, both said, from the Renaissance through the 1950s and 1960s.
Each shop has specialties, too.
“We have the largest selection of wigs in town – 300-plus,” said Billie Ray Faught, co-owner of The Fun Tree. The store are conducts a canned food drive through its busy season. You can get 10 percent off if you bring in canned goods through Oct. 31.
“Our make-up kits are extensive,” said Baer, which will come in handy for Zombie Fest participants. “We’ve already rented about 15 costumes for that event.”
What’s hot for Halloween this year?
“Michael Jackson,” said Donna Faught.
“Zombies are also big this year,” said Baer.
Both shops will have extended hours the closer it gets to Halloween.
For information on Masquerade, call 997-6275. For information on The Fun Tree, call 652-0041.