The clustered racks of Natasha’s Attic were bustling with Victorian noblemen and Renaissance fairies looking for their evening gowns for the last time.
The building where the retail-rental costume store in San Jose is located has been sold, and owner Kathy Bell has until the end of February to liquidate everything. While the eviction came as a shock, Bell said she’s been dealing with personal health issues, making it nearly impossible to relocate the business again. The closure will force her into retirement.
“I knew the building was up for sale and we were preparing for it, but we thought it would take a long time,” the business’ 71-year-old owner told San José Spotlight. “I can’t do another move.”
Beloved rental-retail costume store, Natasha’s Attic, is slated to close in February, following an eviction notice from the building’s landlord who sold the property. Photo by B. Sakura Cannestra.
Bell started the business 47 years ago, after altering and loaning out her sister’s tutu to a friend. Since then, she’s relocated the business nine times in Santa Clara County.
From the start, she’s been deeply involved in every aspect of the business. Bell designed and built the store’s dressing rooms after every move. She said she’s gone to dozens of trade shows to find the highest quality costumes. She’s also worked on many costumes, altering and adjusting the fit and design.
Bell said she’s looking to sell as much of her inventory as possible to support her retirement. She took on ownership of the San Jose Dancewear business that shares the 376 Race St. location about a year ago and plans to liquidate the stock of dance clothes, shoes and accessories.
Natasha’s Attic announced its closure online Jan. 21, and has since been flooded with an outpouring of support from loyal customers. The reaction has been touching for Bell.
“I’ve always felt on the other end that I have been blessed to know them, I never thought about me being a part of their life in that way,” she said.
A week after the closure’s announcement and the store was busy with dozens of people looking to buy costumes for future themed events. San Jose resident Julia Kossack was in the store to buy a full outfit — a corset, bodice, skirt, underskirt and accessories — for the Edwardian Ball in San Francisco, though she said she’ll now have to hope it works for multiple scenarios.
“The staff at places like this, they’re local, they have specialized knowledge, they could help you put something together you wouldn’t think of and the prices for rental allow you to customize,” Kossack told San José Spotlight. “I’m definitely bummed. I sincerely hope a knight in shining armor comes along in the last minute.”
Natasha’s Attic has been a mainstay in Santa Clara County for more than four decades. Photo by B. Sakura Cannestra.
Chelsea Kalenda, the store’s manager, said the closure will be a loss for small businesses and the creative community. Before working at Natasha’s Attic, Kalenda said she was a regular customer of 19 years, ever since she picked up last-minute stage makeup for a high school theater production.
“How are we going to keep that creative vibe that is honestly essential to Silicon Valley?” Kalenda told San José Spotlight. “Everyone thinks about the tech, but where would the inventive, creative mind that starts the big innovation in the tech world be without all of these creative supports, right? Because part of theater is that it lets you dream and dreaming leads to innovation.”
Kalenda said the store’s closing is representative of the difficulties for small businesses in today’s economy. Millennials and Generation Z consumers support local businesses and artisans, but the current economic climate makes it difficult. She said support for small businesses is waning compared to big box retailers — especially for a niche like Natasha’s Attic.
For Bell, it’s bittersweet.
“I didn’t plan on this, this wasn’t the way I wanted to phase out,” Bell told San José Spotlight. “This isn’t a thrift store going out of business, this is a serious collection that I never dreamed I’d be selling like this.”
B. Sakura Cannestra is a freelance reporter who previously worked at San José Spotlight through the California Local News Fellowship. Contact her at [email protected] or @SakuCannestra on X.