Arlene’s Costumes

Specialties

From Halloween to masquerade balls, Arlene’s Costumes in Rochester, NY, has the right costume for any special event. The respected costume shop offers themed outfits for men, women, and children, along with creative costume accessories and affordable costume rental options. No matter your fantasy, they have an over-​the-​top look for you. For 60 years, the Rochester community has relied on Arlene’s Costumes to provide impressive garments and costume accessories for holidays, school plays, dance recitals, masquerade balls, theme parties, and special events. The 10,000-square-foot showroom contains everything you need to transform into your favorite character. Customers who browse the girls’ and boys’ costumes will discover options like pirates, superheroes, ninjas, colonial villagers, and clowns. Adults are spoiled with choices at Arlene’s Costumes – the showroom has a vast array of men’s costumes, like Flintstones characters, pandas, and hippies, while the selection of women’s costumes includes black cats, angels, devils, and disco queens. Arlene’s Costumes is on a mission to provide every Rochester resident with the perfect costume for their needs and budget. With sizes that range from teen costumes to plus-​size costumes, this dress-​up mecca has options that will flatter every size and shape…

History

Established in 1956.

Arlene’s was founded in 1956 when Arlene Stephens and her mother Mildred «Molly» Stephens ran Arlene’s out of a small store on East Main Street in Rochester. Arlene and Molly saw children in the neighborhood wearing garbage bags on Halloween and decided to start making costumes for kids. That was just the beginning.

In 1975, Arlene’s Costumes moved to its long-​time home at 1156 Culver Road. Rentals such as overhead parade outfits and vintage period costumes were the main attraction at that time. As business grew, retail became more and more popular. In 1982, Arlene’s opened a new one-​of-​a-​kind 500 sq. ft retail store front in addition to its already impressive rental space.

Over the years, Arlene’s outgrew that space opening seasonal locations in Western New York area shopping malls and plazas. Bursting at the seams, Arlene’s moved to its current 10,000 sq. ft showroom on Portland Avenue in Rochester, NY in 2003.

Meet the Business Owner

Arlene S.

Business Owner

An Invitation from Arlene…

Arlene’s Costume Shop is a must see. It is not your typical mall costume shop. With over 350 vendors to draw from, the array of theatrical and Halloween merchandise is incredible. Unique gifts, hats, wigs, beards, gloves, leg wear and lingerie, makeup, retail and rental costumes including mascots, Santa, Easter, Halloween and more fill the showcases and line the walls.

Fun is our business. Fun is our brand. Fun is the instant thought that pops into your mind when you hear about us. No matter if you are looking for something specific or just have a little slack in your day, come in to Arlene’s and play, play, play!

We look forward to seeing you and helping you find the perfect items to add fun to your next event!