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Online trading makes life difficult for costume rental companies. The hoped-for upswing after the pandemic did not materialize.
“You can also order such costumes. Then you cost – no idea – seven francs, »says a young woman. She and her friends have just chosen costumes at the Jäger costume rental in the city of St. Gallen. Here they would pay 95 francs.
As students, money is rather tight for them, they say. “You’re more likely to order something from China, even if the quality isn’t the same and you have to throw it away afterwards.” But they think that’s a shame.
Legend:
Pay 95 francs here or 7.00 in online shops: if your budget is tight, it makes a big difference.
SRF/Reto Hanimann
The statements of the young women do not surprise the owner of the shop. Agnes Faisst shrugs: “The boys order it.” She, too, has noticed that interest in rented costumes has waned. With her, however, carnival accounts for only five percent of sales. Her shop has mostly historical costumes. These are rented for theatres, operettas or films.
80 percent fewer rentals
Things are different for Alexandra Lingenhöle, who also runs a costume rental shop in the small St. Gallen community of Mörschwil: Andy’s costume rental. “I’m at a loss and disappointed. I had imagined that something would work without the corona measures.”
Legend:
If business doesn’t pick up soon, Andy’s Costume Rentals may have to close.
SRF/Reto Hanimann
It used to be very busy during the carnival season. But according to Alexandra Lingenhöle, she still rents out 80 percent fewer costumes than before the pandemic.
At least five rental companies have contacted me to ask if I would like to buy their stock.
Other rental companies are also feeling the effects of online trading, says Alexandra Lingenhöle: “At least five rental companies have contacted me to ask if I would like to buy their stock.” The offers came from Switzerland, but also from Germany and Austria. She could have gotten the costumes for a good price. “But first of all I have no space and secondly I have to look for myself.” It’s not worth investing in.