Arlene Stephens
By Pam Markel, NCA Immediate Past President
A very special costume shop in New York was founded in 1956 by a mother and daughter duo. They ran this unique shop out of a small store on East Main Street. Their decision to make costumes evolved from watching the neighborhood children wearing garbage bag costumes on Halloween. This was just the humble beginning of a 10,000 square foot store that is in existence today.
Can you guess who this is? Yes, it’s Arlene Stephens, from Arlene’s Costumes in Rochester, New York. This fantastic lady turned 90 years young on September 25, 2024.
Just a bit more history, in 1975 Arlene’s costumes moved to its longtime home at 1156 Culver Road. By 1982 business had grown and retail had become more popular, so Arlene’s opened an additional store front, a new one of a kind 500 square foot showroom. As the years went on, they outgrew that space and opened multiple seasonal shops all over western New York. Bursting at the seams, they finally moved to their present 10,000 square foot location on Portland Ave in Rochester in 2003.
One of Arlene's creations
Like most NCA members, Arlene Stephens and her family have worked hard and built a business to be proud of. To date, Arlene still works in the store, helping with the daily operations along with her family, sister Donna White, daughter Cindy Sinopoli, granddaughter and NCA President Terry Sinopoli, and Terry’s aunt, Dawn Larsen.
For those lucky enough to attend the 100th Birthday Celebration of the National Costumers Association in Indianapolis Indiana, you were able to meet this dear sweet lady with such a beautiful smile.
Please wish Arlene Stephens a big happy birthday! She turned 90 years young. Birthday wishes can be sent to Arlene, via our President Terry Sinopoli at terry@arlenescostumes.com
HAPPY BIRTHDAY ARLENE!!!! BEST WISHES FOR MANY MORE.