Associated Holidays

Halloween

Country of Origin 

United States - Founded in 1927

United Stated - Mass Market Costumes 1940s

Key Points / Halloween Connection

- Creator/producer of the flimsy mask and vinyl costumes from the 1940s-1990s

- Offered children the chance to dress as numerous pop culture and halloween characters for a very affordable price

Brief Bio

Ben Cooper costumes originated in 1937 after founder Ben Cooper's theatrical costume business shifted to meet growing Halloween demand, merging with A.S. Fishbach in 1942 to secure popular character licenses, especially from Disney. The company became one of the largest manufacturers by mass-producing affordable, character-based costumes featuring a signature vinyl smock and mask, but faced bankruptcy in the late 1980s/early 1990s and was acquired by Rubie's Costume Company in 1992. 

Company History

1927: Ben Cooper starts a theatrical costume business in NYC, designing for venues like the Cotton Club.

1937: The business transitions to Halloween, and Ben Cooper, Inc. is founded with his brother, Nat.

1942: The company merges with A.S. Fishbach, Inc., gaining valuable licenses, including from Disney.

Late 1940s: Ben Cooper, Inc. becomes one of the largest Halloween costume manufacturers in the U.S., selling through major retailers.

Mid-1950s to 1980s: The company expands to include licensed characters from popular TV shows, comics, and movies, such as Spider-Man, Superman, and the Universal Monsters.

1982: Tylenol tampering deaths cause a temporary decline in sales due to safety fears.

1988-1991: The company files for bankruptcy twice, losing many licensing deals.

1992: Rubie's Costume Company acquires Ben Cooper, Inc., and the brand name is dissolved. 

2017: The name was bought back by Ben Cooper's nephew in 2017 and now redirects to Party City.

2024: NECA produces figures of characters dressed in Ben Cooper Costumes

Key Features of the Costumes

Costume-in-a-box: Revolutionized Halloween by allowing children to dress as pop culture characters.

Affordable: Costumes were sold in major department stores, five-and-dime stores, and other retailers for around $1.25 in the 1940s.

Iconic design: Featured a flimsy vinyl mask and a thin vinyl smock, with characters printed on the outfit itself. 

Legacy

The company's history is documented in a recent film, "Dressing Up Halloween: The Story of Ben Cooper, Inc.". and many of the brand's original designs are still popular with collectors.

Today there are looked upon with nostalgic charm by those who wore them as kids and also as sought after collector pieces by those who collect pop culture and/or halloween memorabilia