Located at 2140 Range Road, suite B, Clearwater, 33765, House of Make Believe is currently liquidating a huge portion of their groovy, fun, and predominately custom costumery. If you are interested in the inventory, the owner, Bernice, prefers appointments, but walk-ins are welcome. Bigger costumes and prop-pieces start as low as $3.

Bernice opened the House of Make Believe in 1978 with her mother. Bernice’s mother was a nurse, but left the profession when she was prohibited by the hospital to give more than 10-minutes of care to each patient. So, Bernice and her mother got a bank loan, difficult for women to procure in those days, and opened a costume store together.

While listening to Bernice tell this story, a customer walks in looking for a prom gown. 80s style, says the customer, but not like Madonna’s style—more like high-school prom with puffy sleeves. This period is one of House of Make Believe’s specialties, along with the styles of the 20s and 70s (hippie and disco), as well as pirate and renaissance costumes.

House of Make Believe looks forward to non-profit initiatives

Ball gowns, Bernice says, are always demanded. While the aforementioned customer may not have wanted anything in Madonna’s style, reader, please note, House of Make Believe has not one, but two of Madonna’s iconic gold cone corsets—they made each themselves.

While House of Make Believe is liquidating and downsizing, Bernice’s daughter will continue the business as a fourth-generation owner. But the store will be reorganized as a 501C3 non-profit. See, House of Make Believe has a history of supporting school productions and small theaters. Boca Ciega High-School, for example, only had a $900 dollar budget to outfit the theater troupe, but Bernice made sure the students got what they needed, a value of nearly $2,500.

The House of Make Believe wants their non-profit to secure funding so theater productions operating on slim budgets can put on their shows. If you have further questions about renting costumes for your production, or else want to purchase some inventory from the liquidation sale, you may call Bernice directly to make an appointment. Reach Bernice at 727-420-7655.