The Final Fright: Ursula's Costumes to Close after Halloween

Nestled along Wilshire Boulevard in the heart of Santa Monica stands Ursula’s Costumes, a specialty costume rental shop that has served the area for almost 30 years. The main driver for business is the costume pieces for rent, specially handmade by owner Ursula Boschet. The store has been a pillar of the Santa Monica community, serving a wide demographic of customers, ranging from affluent locals to international buyers in countries like Australia and England.

After continuously working at the store every day, Boschet has decided to close her doors to be able to retire, but also as a result of competition with other well-known retailers, including corporations such as Spirit Halloween and online retailers like Amazon. The struggle to stay present is especially due to the lasting effect of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Boschet originally retired at age 75, but did not retire from her store and continued to work. “It’s just not possible anymore,” Boschet said. “(With) sickness and all that kind of stuff, I can’t do it anymore.”

Boschet, who is 90 years old, has been working tirelessly in the costume design industry for many years. She learned the dressmaking and tailoring trades in Germany when she was 14 before immigrating to the United States while working in the theater industry. Before opening her store, Boschet worked on costume alterations for “Disney on Parade” while also working for the Theatrical Wardrobe Union, providing alterations and costumes.

Customers have been drawn to Ursula’s Costumes due to the unique handmade pieces that Boschet worked on, and the ability to have costumes altered and customized. The store made many of their available ensembles rentable. However, now as the store looks to close its doors, Ursula’s is selling these pieces at reasonable prices. “People don’t have money right now,” Boschet said. “We just have to sell.”

The store itself is rooted in the history of serving many famous Hollywood stars, including Tina Turner, John Travolta, the Pointer Sisters, Jamie Lee Curtis, and Bette Midler. After many years, the business is still in full swing, especially as Halloween draws closer.

"(I) wanted a piece of history," said customer Sharlene Choy of East Los Angeles. Choy collects vintage pieces and tried on several costumes at Ursula’s after hearing that the store was closing.

Customers of Ursula’s have been especially surprised to hear that the store will be closing soon, with local and longtime customers calling the store in an attempt to get the business to stay. “When they found out, a lot of them called me saying ‘How can you go out of business? We need you here!’” said Boschet.

But even as the foot traffic has picked up at Ursula’s due to the closure, many customers haven’t been as willing to make a purchase in-store. “They’re coming in, but they don’t buy nothing,” said Boschet. “Not as much as we thought would happen, but they’re still coming… they all want me to stay until I’m 100, I guess.”

Despite this, staff members, including Boschet’s son and daughter, continue to find the right costume and fit for every customer that comes through the door. Even at 90, Boschet continues to work on every aspect of the store, tagging costumes and observing fittings.

“She’s a working girl!” staff member Bill said in regard to Boschet, as he continued to serve customers, whom he described as “real serious costumers… most people aren’t thinking about Halloween yet.”

Business at Ursula’s is expected to pick up during the true Halloween season, closer to the holiday. As of now, Ursula’s doesn’t have a set date to close, but will be closing its doors after what will be their final Halloween. While Ursulas’s does feature a website showing their stock, all of their pieces are specifically sold in person and the store is open Tuesday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.

NewsAdriana BradyAdriana Brady, Rebecca Villagracia