Cincinnati Costume Shop Celebrates 81 Years
Cappel's remains a staple in Cincinnati after decades of business.
Updated on Oct. 30, 2026 in Openings & Closings
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Cappel's, a long-standing fixture in the Cincinnati retail scene, marks 81 years of continuous operation. The family-run business serves local residents through four locations offering a wide variety of party supplies.
Why it matters
The survival of such a legacy retailer highlights the resilience of independent local businesses in the face of shifting commercial landscapes. Halloween remains a critical period for the shop, contributing a significant portion of its annual revenue.
The retailer maintains an extensive inventory of over 50,000 items across four storefronts. Halloween sales drive up to 50% of the company's total annual revenue.
The players
Ray
Ray is an owner who purchased the store with his cousin in 1990.
Cappel's
Cappel's is a Cincinnati-based costume and party supply retailer operating four local storefronts.
The details
Originally established as a provider for department store displays, the shop transitioned into a retail destination for costumes and party supplies. It has managed to maintain its market presence in Cincinnati since its founding in 1945.
Timeline
1945: Cappel's costume shop was founded.
1990: Ray purchased the store with his cousin.
2026: Cappel's operates for the 81st year.
Market Landscape
The shop's 81-year history marks a sharp departure from the U.S. Small Business Administration survival rate statistics, which indicate that most independent businesses fail within their first decade. This longevity allows the firm to maintain a stable niche against larger corporate competitors.
Local customers can continue to access the shop's 50,000-item inventory across its four established locations. The store's consistent operation ensures that seasonal party supplies remain reliably available for the local community throughout the year.
The takeaway
Maintaining a successful niche business for over eight decades requires adapting to changing consumer demand. Small business owners can learn from this model by balancing a broad inventory with seasonal revenue opportunities.
Further reading
For more on local retail updates, visit the Cincinnati Openings & Closings section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Axios.
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Do you still prefer shopping at local brick-and-mortar stores over buying your holiday supplies online?
