ABOUT US
We are The Costume Shoppe!
And now that you've heard a little bit about our store, how about meeting the amazing staff that all of our Google Reviews are always talking about!
Meet, Ryan: Owner of The Costume Shoppe
About:
Ryan Schoel has owned The Costume Shoppe since 2016, building on the foundation Margot Loveseth created in 1994 — and she remains a guiding influence to this day. Ry is proud to lead a team that includes his two sons and reflects every walk of life, believing that giving people the opportunity to bring their full selves to work creates staff who genuinely connect with the customers who value it. A hands-on owner who knows every corner of the Big Blue Building on Blackfoot Trail SE, he believes the best memories start with people who truly belong where they stand.
What The Costume Shoppe means to me:
Pride. That's the word that comes to mind first. Pride when I watch my sons work the floor. Pride when a staff member tries on something new and their whole face lights up. Pride when a customer walks in overwhelmed and leaves with a smile so big you can't miss it. Pride when I open Google and read what people say about us. Pride when someone at a networking event says — "the one on Blackfoot, you're a Calgary staple." But the pride that hits deepest is this: people have told me no one else would hire them. And I did. Volunteers who started at fourteen still come back to help out when they can. Staff who say this place gave them somewhere to belong — not just a job, but a place where they could show up as exactly who they are. The Costume Shoppe is a melting pot. An equalizer. A memory maker. A family that took a photo at our character cutouts for their Christmas card — all twelve of them. A city that watched us fight for our survival and come out the other side. My face is on the outside of that door. I wear my shirt with pride. And I am genuinely grateful that owning this store taught me about different beliefs, different religions, different pronouns, different lives — things I never would have learned anywhere else. All of it makes me proud. Every single bit of it. — Ry
Meet, Marshall: Digital Enterprise Manager
About:
Marshall has been part of The Costume Shoppe team for nearly nine years that started out as a simple Product Content Writer. He has grown exponentially over the years, and is now serving as the Digital Enterprise Manager. In this role he is helping drive the store's creative and technical initiatives. A lifelong collector, creator, and cosplayer, he is known as The Shoppe's "Resident Joker" for his passion for portraying the iconic character. He enjoys helping customers bring their ideas to life and create memorable experiences through creativity and imagination.
What The Costume Shoppe means to me:
To me, The Costume Shoppe represents opportunity. For nearly nine years, it has been a place where creativity is encouraged, individuality is celebrated, and ideas are given the chance to grow. The trust and support I've received have allowed me to develop new skills, take on ambitious projects, and continually learn and evolve in my role. Being part of a team that embraces creativity and encourages personal growth is what makes The Costume Shoppe so meaningful to me.
Meet, Allan: Merchandiser and Lead Sales Floor Staff
About:
Allan is an ’80s-raised sci-fi and fantasy nerd with a sarcastic streak and an overactive imagination. A lifelong movie lover and toy photographer, he’s happiest behind a camera, building tiny worlds, or dressing up like he just walked out of another galaxy. Equal parts nostalgia, creativity, and chaos — powered almost entirely by movie quotes and the belief that action figures deserve dramatic lighting.
What The Costume Shoppe means to me:
The Costume Shoppe has been more than just a workplace—it’s a place where imagination has always had room to run wild. It’s a safe, welcoming space for both staff and customers, where creativity is encouraged and celebrated. Over the years, the people there have become something closer than coworkers—woven into daily life in a way that feels like found family, even if it’s never needed to be said out loud.
Meet, Felix: Sales Floor and Pop Culture Guru
About:
Felix has been working at the Shoppe since 2021, and enjoys interacting with the community the store cultures. Felix likes cosplay, DnD, and video games, and loves putting their pop culture knowledge to use when helping customers.
What The Costume Shoppe means to me:
I've worked at The Costume Shoppe for essentially my entire adult life, and its been a really great place to grow and develop. I've gotten a lot of opportunities to further my job skills, and have gotten to do so surrounded by great coworkers and our awesome customers!
Meet, Brandon: Veteran Staff Member
About:
Brandon is a veteran member of The Costume Shoppe team. He joined the company at just 14 years old, starting in the warehouse restocking and pricing products. Through years of hard work and dedication, he has grown with the company and worked his way through a variety of roles, including Sales Associate, Online Associate, Floor Lead, and Graphic Designer.
What The Costume Shoppe means to me:
The Costume Shoppe holds a special place in my heart. I grew up working here, and it has taught me countless life skills over the years. It truly feels like a second home, and I always enjoy being around the team and connecting with our amazing customers. Being part of so many memorable experiences is one of the things I love most about working here.
Meet, Silen: Resident Pokemon Expert and Sales Floor Staff
About:
Silen is a cosplayer and content creator who has been in the cosplay and comic convention community for 10+ years. He specializes in wig styling, sewing, and glamour makeup. His favourite work activity is piecing together cosplays from just a reference picture.
What The Costume Shoppe means to me:
The Costume Shoppe hired me as my first job when I was just in high school and always held a safe place for me to come back year after year. I’ve loved the shop since I was a kid so working here really has felt like a full circle moment for me. I enjoy being able to help other people piece together their costumes just like the staff helped me piece together my first cosplays.
Meet, Alex: Sales Floor Staff and Lover of the Macabre
About:
Alex is a long time lover of horror and the ‘odd and unusual’. He also makes custom horror masks and patches through his site Lil Freakz Masks. He enjoys the behind-the-scene workings of how your favourite horror films are brought to life; from make-up sfx to crafting props and creatures.. If you’re looking for advice on finding the right bunch of accessories for your costume, wanting to know what blood is best for you or simply a fellow horror lover, Alex is your guy!
What The Costume Shoppe means to me:
The Costume Shoppe has been a special place to me since Halloween 2019, I was only hired on for the season, but I kept coming back each year to work the month of October because I enjoyed the work and the people I had met. The Costume Shoppe has become a place for me to not only enjoy the work I do with people I love to work with but also a wonderful and accepting environment. The Costume Shoppe holds a special place in my heart, as does everyone who works there.
Meet, Nic: Sales Floor Staff Supervisor and Cosplay Aficionado
About:
Nic is a pop culture enthustiast who's greatest joy is helping someone new to the cosplay, drag or burlesque communities build their looks for the first time. They have a background in wig styling and special effects makeup and are passionate about historical costuming. They will never miss an opportunity to dress up and own a truly staggering costume collection.
What The Costume Shoppe means to me:
The Costume Shoppe was the perfect employment opportunity to indulge my absolutely demented love of dressing up, as well as being an incredibly welcoming place to work. There are very few other places that would be as fun and diverse in the experiences it provides.