Springfield, known for its ghostly celebrations, is going to sell every ghost, ghoul and fairy.
After more than 40 years of family business, the “clothing closet” is closing down, but the rest remains.
Forty-three years ago, Geri Spear’s husband walked through 6690 Belmont Street in Forest Park looking for the best George Washington costume he could find.
Not long after Spear bought the store, “Costume Closet” became part of Cheap Halloween Costumes, Christmas, school theater and sporting events.
“The whole atmosphere, it’s good, you’re happy, I never saw it as a job, and I do not remember one day I’ll remember, ‘Oh, I have to go to work today,’ Spear said.
Spear told the West newspaper that once business shops started selling clothes cheaply, the business plummeted as online shopping finally led to a decision to close the door.
He’s even gone far beyond selling drama, wigs, and accessories at a fraction of the price, but donating it to theater projects in several organizations and schools in western Mass.
He said: “Today, a man came in and picked up a batch of fabrics, and I was donating to children’s clothing in Africa.”
Their current plan is to enjoy retirement, take care of thirty grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.
During this time, many people have stopped saying thanks, but Spear has something to say to his colleagues:
“I want to thank everyone who has been working here for years and I’ve been working here for years and still a neighborhood atmosphere in Forest Park, in fact,” he added.
