Short Summary

Costumes, Etc. in Atlanta, GA is closing for good on December 10th.  Or is it?!  This crazy seamstress/cosplayer (thumbs pointed inward) has the will and a plan to keep this incredible Atlanta resource alive. 

About Me:

Some of you may know me as a Cosplayer, SailorMarj. Some know just Marj, most may not know me at all.  But I’ve been cosplaying before I knew what “Cosplay” meant. Self taught seamstress and overall crafter/maker/gardener, I find my passion when I get to play dress-up for a convention, a cruise, or while singing in cabarets.

I was born in New York and moved down to GA in 2019 to be with my boyfriend who lives just outside Atlanta. Knowing my admiration for a great costume shop, he brought me to Costumes, Etc. and I fell in love.

I’ve shopped there for years and have always admired their dedicated staff with their knowledge of makeup, shoes, wigs, jewelry, clothing, and props. It holds a special place in my heart, especially for those last minute costume and accessory runs.  There’s just something special about a store you can still walk into and browse while you look for your intended item.

Why Crowdfunding?

This is a community effort to raise funds towards saving a local Atlanta business near and dear to our hearts. I’m willing to take on running the shop, but we need your help with funding. I have over 20 years of Customer Service and Support experience in the retail, entertainment and corporate space.  I’d also partner with the owner to take on as many of the traditions and processes to keep things running as smoothly as possible.

What We Need

• OUR FINANCIAL GOAL IS : $250,000 which will go toward the purchase of the business (straight to the owner).
• OUR DEADLINE IS: November 13th 2022
• We’ve set a Fixed Funding Campaign.  This means if we don’t reach the goal by our deadline, all of our backers will be refunded by Indiegogo within 5-7 business days.

PERKS! 

With each level you will receive the following:

• $25 – a sticker “I support Costumes, Etc.” (design in the works)
• $100 – an “I support Costumes, Etc.”, t-shirt & sticker (design in the works)
• $250 – an “I support Costumes, Etc.” t-shirt & sticker and a personalized “Thank you” on the Social Media.
• $500 – an “I support Costumes, Etc.” t-shirt & sticker, a personalized “Thank you” on Social Media, and a place on our “Wall of Thanks” inside the store.
• $1500 – an “I support Costumes, Etc.” t-shirt & sticker, a personalized “Thank you” on Social Media, a place on our “Wall of Thanks” inside the store, and a parody song written to a song of your choice. 
  See lyrics and video examples here: https://www.youtube.com/@sailormarj
• $5000 – an “I support Costumes, Etc.” t-shirt & sticker, a personalized “Thank you” on Social Media, a place on our “Wall of Thanks” inside the store, and a parody song written and video recorded to a song of your choice.
  See lyrics and video examples here: https://www.youtube.com/@sailormarj

The Impact

What will your money go towards?

• The purchase of the business, assets, and costs to run the business.
• The chance to keep this shop alive for the community of those that love to dress up for play or for work.
• If we go above our goal, we’ll invest back into the business with upgrades, renovations, and other improvements.
• If we go WAY above our goal, we’ll see about special programs associated with costumes, cosplaying and local & school theaters.

Other Ways You Can Help

There are lots of ways to contribute besides giving money!

• Spread the word about the campaign at your weekly D&D session.
• Going to a costume party to extend Halloween? Let others know how they can support Atlanta’s best costume shop.
• Share the link on all your social media platforms.
• Let your favorite podcasters know we need their help to spread the word.
• Indiegogo has quick share tools as well!