NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — The COVID-19 pandemic has forced another small business to close its doors. Performance Studios is shutting down after more than 30 years of business.
The beloved costume and makeup store is known for serving local theater groups, nightclub performers, and people looking for Halloween costumes. While the Antioch store is closed, a large portion of the merchandise is being auctioned online.
The store closed in March to comply with Metro’s COVID-19 safety guidelines. While it temporarily reopened and offered pickup orders only, the store struggled to pay rent. Owner T.K. Kelly was forced to make the difficult decision to shut down permanently.
“We did our best,” said T.K. Kelly, owner of Performance Studios. “We really tried to keep it going. We are going to miss everybody.”
Performance Studios is still selling makeup, wigs and lashes online but all of the costumes, masks and Halloween décor in the 24,000 square foot store are now going on the auction block.
Kelly said costumes that were normally available for rent are not included in the auction. She is hoping to sell those items to a local theater group, but no deal has been finalized yet.
Kelly said the store faced the perfect storm of difficult conditions. It closed in March during what would have normally been the busy Spring theater season, and will now miss out on Halloween, as well.
“All of our business depends on large group gatherings, and without those being able to happen, there is no business happening,” said Kelly.
She encouraged customers to bid on items up for auction and said that will still help support the store.
“Everything we sell in the auction will help us be able to keep that website going,” said Kelly.
The first two auctions are underway, and the Parks Auction Company plans to hold at least four more online auctions.
There will be a preview day at the store at 5350 Mt. View Road in Antioch Wednesday, Sept. 9 from noon to 3 p.m. Customers will be able to see items before bidding.
For more information on Auction #1 click here and for more information on Auction #2, click here.
