If you’ve ever had to shop for a costume in Calgary, chances are you stopped by Don’s Costume & Make Up Shop.
Don’s has been a fixture in one form or another for 75 years. Don Spicer (yes, the Don) opened the store in 1949 as Don’s Hobby Shop, selling crafts, trains, magic sets and other hobby supplies. Eventually, Spicer started selling formal wear, which led to renting out Santa suits, which developed into the costumes and theatrical makeup Don’s is known for today.
In 2003, Scott Bennie, whose father was Don’s accountant for 30-plus years, bought the business and moved it to its current location. As well as being a major destination for Halloween and cosplay lovers, Don’s supplies theatre companies and film productions with makeup, props and attire, and retails disc golf equipment. We caught up with Bennie to find out what he loves about being the current “Don” of costumes.
What do you love about working in the costume and makeup space?
“Generally, you’re helping people with something they’re very excited about and very interested in. It’s fun to be the place that is kind of like a candy store for them. I like watching the excitement on their faces when they see a product for the first time.”
What is your favourite part about Don’s?
“Hearing customers come in saying, ‘I’ve been coming to Don’s since I was young — I’d cash my paper route cheque across the street and then come blow it all on a model kit.’ It’s fun being a part of history in the city.”
Do you have any memories that stand out?
“The Halloween season gives me the greatest memories because it’s almost like being in a theatre production. It’s hours and hours of work, you’re thrown all of these curveballs and then it’s over, but we always have great memories from it. Our staff is a really tight-knit group. Some of them have been here since before I came along and we have the same seasonal part-timers that have been coming back for 10 or 15 years during that chaotic month. They get us through.”
1515 Centre St. N.W., 403-262-5717, costumeandmakeupshop.ca
