In 1954, R.B. and Ideal Chrisman bought a small building at 2401 East Seventh Street in Joplin, Missouri. They opened a rental store which offered tools, rollaway beds, cement mixers, lawn mowers, and other equipment for those who did not own the items and did not want to buy them. Over the years, Roy's Rentals added trailers, floor polishers, river boats, chain saws, automotive tools, and even jacks to raise houses.
In 1956, Ideal thought it would be fun to add costumes to be rented and started with a small rack of about 20 garments. Over the next fifteen years, Ideal made or purchased hundreds of costumes for her shop; and started selling wigs, masks, theatrical makeup and novelties. The business was severely damaged by a tornado in 1971. People as far away as Carthage (nearly fifteen miles away) brought back costumes and masks found in their yards.
In 1972, Roy's Rentals began renting candelabrum, tables and chairs, and other items for wedding receptions and parties. They also began renting tuxedos. They gradually sold off the tools and heavy equipment and focused the business on wedding receptions, tuxedos, and costumes.
The Chrisman's only child, Ramona, grew up working in the store with her parents. Ramona was a history teacher for nearly twenty years, before returning to partner with her aging parents in the store. In 1995 the Chrismans chose to focus only on professional costuming, sold the wedding reception and party rental items, and changed their business name to Roy's Costume Services, Inc.
In 2006, at the ages of 89 and 90, R.B. and Ideal Chrisman, and their daughter, Ramona, were justifiably proud of the services they had provided for the last 54 years to families, churches, schools, community theaters, and businesses. But they decided it was time to try something new - retirement!
On June 1, 2006, Karen Lawson purchased the business and changed the name to Roy's Costumes and Formal Wear. Lawson realized the importance of the company's longevity and name recognition; however, she wanted to emphasize one of the few changes she brought to Roy's - the return of formal wear rentals.
On September 20, 2008, a grand opening celebration was held at the NEW LOCATION for Roy's Costumes & Formal Wear - 401 Grand Avenue in Joplin. Now with nearly triple the square footage, there is plenty of room for customers to shop for retail costume accessories and browse through hundreds of "self-serve" rental costumes.
With an inventory of over 8,000 costumes, Roy's is the oldest and largest costume shop in the four-state area...and quite possibly anywhere. A costuming experience at Roy's is like no other, as each customer is fitted individually - usually from 'tip to toe'. With thousands of accessories in stock, including wigs and hats, shoes and boots, jewelry and other pieces, a costume from Roy's is sure to be like no other.
In January 2009, Lawson embarked on a new addition to the Roy's Costumes and Formal Wear Family. The Web-Site for www.royscostumes.com was added as an additional form of shopping courtesy for our customers. Thousands of costumes may be purchased VIA the web-site with delivery options available. In addition to Costumes, you will be able to purchase accessories, shoes, costume hosiery and a wide variety of decorations for just about any type of occasion. Please remember, however, there is a no return/no exchange policy when ordering from the web-site, so be sure to order the correct sizes needed.
