Where's Wally or Wonderwoman - kids' costumes to suit any occasion

Do you wish you didn’t have to buy a new costume every time World Book Day or Halloween comes round?

Keira’s Kids Costumes is your one stop shop for Disney dresses, superhero suits and character clothes.

Based in Great Sankey, Keira Owen opened her business almost three years ago and with more than 300 costumes and over 1,000 followers, she’s seen an increase in demand for those looking for a picture perfect outfit.

Here, in our latest Trader of the Week feature, Keira tells us how she came up with the business idea and why parents are always so happy when she can provide the right costume.

If you would like to be featured as our Trader of the Week, email heidi.summerfield@newsquest.co.uk

Keira and her son Jake dressed as Harry Potter

What’s the name of the business?

Keira’s Kids Costumes

What’s the address?

Mildenhall Close, Great Sankey, Warrington, WA5 1ZD

Are you the owner/manager?

I own the business

When did you open the business?

Just before lockdown in January 2020, which gave me time to build my costume inventory and plan how to make it work around family life, working full time and university.

The cat in the hat

Are you local to the area? Did you grow up here?

Yes I live in Great Sankey. I have lived here since the age of 14 and I attended Great Sankey High School.

Tell me a bit about your business

My business is aimed at helping families who may be struggling financially or last minute Larries like myself! When it comes to picking up kids’ costumes for school events, parties and world book day or Halloween trick or treating and school nativities, it can be expensive having to buy a costume that you know is only going to be worn once. I started renting out kids’ fancy dress costumes locally, which helps reduce storage in people’s homes, and costs a fraction of the price or purchasing a whole new outfit. Pick it up, wear it and then drop it off – it’s that simple.

What do you do? What services do you provide?

I have acquired more than 300 costumes over the past three years, ranging from aged one to 14 and they are cleaned and ready for collection. Customers can message me anytime during the day or evening and I respond as quickly as possible. I have had last minute collections at 10pm before now, when someone couldn’t find a costume the evening before a school event! I am doing this to help reduce the stress of finding costumes and paying high prices for new ones. I also offer a children’s party package where I can provide several costumes of different sizes for two hours.

Where's Wally

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Why did you decide to open your own business?

Being a working mum, I found there was a lot of pressure to buy the perfect costume for my son, which came at a price. This was for school nativity plays, Halloween and children’s parties, World Book Day etc, and he would always grow out of each costume before they could be used again. The costumes were also taking up a lot of space in his wardrobe, so I decided to speak to friends and school mums to see if they struggled with the same pressures. I wanted to create a business where parents could hire kids’ costumes for a low price and give them back without any extra worry. My eight-year-old son Jake has been modelling most of my costumes for me for the past three years!

What’s your business background?

I don’t have a business background - my passion is to help families in a similar situation to me. I’ve recently reached 1,000 followers, which is great, and shows that the demand is there for the service I provide.

Why this type of business?

This type of business chose me! I’m aware there will always be themed days in schools and throughout the year so try to reduce the financial impact, especially in the current cost-of-living crisis.

READ MORE: Beautiful keepsakes full of memories made from children’s baby clothes

The Mad Hatter

How did the Covid-19 pandemic affect your business?

I started in January 2020, just before lockdown. It gave me time to organise, plan and build my business. On World Book Day 2021, I rented out more 100 costumes, which was a bit overwhelming, but fantastic that so many people were using my services.

What makes your business different to others in the same area/field? What sets your business apart from your competitors?

I haven’t found anyone else who does what I do from home in the north west. My costumes are £4 per rental, for any costume, and rental time can vary depending what the customer needs.

Why do loyal customers return to your business?

Loyal customers return to my business for good costume quality and affordable prices as well as friendly service. I also have a loyalty card, where customers who keep coming back can earn a free costume rental.

What’s next? What do the next few months hold for you and your business?

Having just experienced a very busy festive and nativity period where most of my nativity costumes were rented out, I think I might need to restock ready for next December! Now we are in 2023, I am currently planning for World Book Day on March 2, which is my busiest time of year. I’m always adding to my costume range so there will be something to suit all ages and sizes.