By preserving its century-long legacy and modernizing to compete with big-box stores, Taney’s looks to stick around in Scranton for centuries to come.
SCRANTON, Pa. — It’s the same sign outside, but new owners inside behind the counter, keeping the legacy of Taney’s Costume Shop alive.
“People come in here, they bring their kids, they bring their grandkids, and everyone has a memory of it,” said soon-to-be owner Ashley Nole.
Along with partners Spencer Shotto and Allison Engle, the group is set to purchase the business that turns 100 this year.
The decision to take over the shop along North Washington Avenue comes after its previous owners announced they would be closing the doors.
“When we saw the news that they were closing, it just kind of shook us, and we felt this need to do something,” said Shotto. “So we came in, asked them if they were looking for a buyer, and thankfully they were, and here we are.”
Featuring high-quality costumes, makeup, and even custom balloon creations for any occasion, Shotto says the local business offers more than any seasonal big box store.
“You know, the competition from places like Amazon and Spirit Halloween is most of the time more expensive and not as good quality,” said Shotto. “So we like to say instead of spending all of that money on a Halloween costume you’ll wear once, come here, spend less money on a costume you’ll love just as much, return it the next day, and you don’t have to worry about anything that comes with that.”
Having survived for decades by relying on in-store shoppers, the new owners are looking to take Taney’s into the 21st century.
“A lot of the costume stock is older, so some TLC, some love. One of the big things we’re trying to accomplish early is getting a website up and running so that we can bring the store to the customers and kind of modernize,” said Shotto. “We’ll make available rental costumes online, and balloon designs online.”
Hopefully, creating more memories for families and providing the perfect costume or creation for any holiday.
The sale of Taney’s Costume Shop is set to be finalized sometime in the next week.