Anchorage woman sells old costumes

Starla Heim keeps hundreds of costumes in tubs, on racks, and in storage units in her Anchorage garage. She is still working through the inventory from Dooley's Tuxedos & Costumes, a business that closed a decade ago. The collection includes outfits for flappers, cowboys, clowns, and vampires, as well as Disney princess looks.

Heim connects with buyers through Facebook Marketplace and by appointment. She opened the garage doors last summer to access the nicer costumes, which had been sealed in about 150 vacuum bags across two Conex storage units. Sales have proceeded slowly through online listings and personal appointments.

The shop at 730 E. 15th Ave. is now a cannabis dispensary. A strain there is named after the former store. Heim said the location operated for 70 years before closing on Nov. 1, 2016. It took until March 31, 2017, to remove the remaining fixtures and costumes.

Dooley's opened in the 1940s under Doris Dooley, who brought carnival supplies to Alaska. Rose Mae Heim later bought the shop and Starla Heim became a partner at age 18. Heim said her mother was the heart of the operation. She now works for the state Department of Labor and Workforce Development.

Heim prices outfits at $20 or $50 based on quality. She sells some items on Etsy or eBay but prefers to keep pieces in the local community. A director for a production of The Grinch in Wasilla recently visited to select capelets and hats. She also continues to sell homecoming and prom dresses.

Some items remain unsold. These include a handmade dress by Doris Dooley, a pink Southern belle dress worn by Heim to prom, and a replica of the royal blue gown worn by Jodie Foster in the 1994 film Maverick. Heim said she could not compete with the internet, which contributed to the decision to close.

Customers can reach Heim by phone at 907-229-4761 or on Facebook. She asks people to save her contact as the Costume Lady. She receives inquiries year-round, including in the middle of March and June, and holds items for those who request specific pieces.