‘Really emotional’: Christies Beach costume shop looking for new owners

The highest-rated costume shop in Adelaide is on the market, with one of the owners saying she needs to focus on her health.

Kate Billinghurst and Nicky Bradley from Fancy That. The Christies Beach costume shop is up for sale for first time in more than a decade. Picture: Ben Clark

One of South Australia’s most iconic costume shops is hitting the market for the first time in more than a decade.

Fancy That, owned by married couple Kate and Roger Billinghurst and Roger’s sister Nicky Bradley since 2011, will “let someone else take the reigns and have some fun” after 13 years in charge of the much-loved Christies Beach shop.

Kate, Rog & Nicky have owned Fancy That since 2011. Picture: Supplied

Suffering from a degenerative health condition, Mrs Billinghurst said it was an emotional time for her.

“It is really emotional because I’ve worked here full-time the whole time and met an amazing amount of people,” the 43-year-old said. “I can’t really describe it in words. But I (need to) focus on my health.”

Mrs Billinghurst wants to assure her customers she – and her co-owners – have set the business up in a way that the new owners can come in and “continue our legacy”.

“I’m more interested in getting the right person than the right amount of money,” she said. “We’ve been here for so long that I don’t want to see it go down the gurgler.”

Nicky Bradley and Kate Billinghurst from Fancy That are putting their well-known costume shop on the market. Picture: Ben Clark

Fancy That first opened its doors to the public in 1992 when it was founded by Pat Haynes, who ran the business for nine years.

Mrs Billinghurst has always had a “passion” for making and selling costumes, which led to her and her husband buying the business in 2011.

“I couldn’t find costumes that fit well because I’m plus-sized so I started making them in my spare time,” she said.

“This shop came up for sale and my husband wanted me to move my costumes off the pool table so we bought it.”

Whether it’s Jack Sparrow, Bananas in Pyjamas or a Marvel superhero, Mrs Billinghurst said inspiration came from everywhere – and wasn’t able to choose her favourite costume.

“It’s like choosing a favourite child,” she said. “Everyone knows Beetlejuice is my favourite movie.”

Kate Billinghurst and Nicky Bradley, the owners of Fancy That costume shop, are putting their business up for sale. Picture: Ben Clark

Boasting back-to-back ‘Best Recreation or Entertainment Provider’ awards at the Onkaparinga Business Awards in 2022 and 2023, Fancy That is also the highest-rated costume shop in Adelaide with 4.9 stars from 120+ Google reviews.

“If you are interested in buying Fancy That, message us for all the info,” they said on a Facebook post.

“You never know, it could be you dressing people up and creating memories.”