Features / Interviews
Bristol’s oldest fancy dress shop is moving
The Christmas Steps Costume & Joke Shop has been in Bristol for 60 years, always located on and just up from – you guessed it – the Christmas Steps.
But no more though. It’s taking a new name, and a new home in the Galleries; with its most recent home on Colston Street thought to be becoming a restaurant and bar.
The Fun Warehouse, as it’s now called, is owned by Sally Quigg and her husband Steve Stevenson, who have been running the business for two and a half years.
is needed now More than ever
Sally swapped a life of corporate marketing and PR to do “something for herself.” With small children, she wanted something more flexible, and in her own words, more enjoyable.
Though happy at the Christmas Steps, a series of events got Sally and Steve thinking about relocating.
A serious fire at nearby university residences in October last year was damaging for business, and the MetroBus work which will make Colston Street one-way, sent them looking for somewhere with more footfall and better accessibility for customers.
The second floor of the Galleries opposite Burger King is where they’ve picked.
“I know anyone shopping in the city centre will be able to find us now,” beams Sally, dressed in a SuperWoman outfit.
She is confident that the Galleries is the perfect fit for them: “It’s central, there’s great parking, and the shopping centre face is changing.”
With the new address, comes a revamp of what’s on offer. Alongside fancy dress for any price range, they are now stocking party essentials.
“We’re entering a whole new world,” says Sally, who took a balloon modelling course to perfect making balloon bouquets ,much to her children’s delight.
Something Sally is particularly excited about it is her ‘parties in a box.’ These boxes are brimming full of feather boas, glasses, moustaches and silly hats.
Tried and tested, she insists that bring one to a party, and be prepared to be heralded the one that “got the party going.”
Sally is excited for the shop to open: “Bristol and fancy dress work. Bristol is fun, and so is fancy dress.”
With a photo booth, dress-up and face paints being offered up to celebrate their opening, it’s hard to argue with Sally. Fancy dress is fun.
The Fun Warehouse is due to open on Saturday, August 20 in the Galleries. For more information, visit www.funwarehouse.co.uk.
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