15/04/2026
So sad to see a local business icon go into the ether, especially for the reasons that it has. Thanks Ren for all the years of service, filling the town with joy and providing us with a one of a kind costume shop. I'll be in to get some items from your wicked array garments ☺️ Long live Bling Bling Costumes!
With a heavy heart, I'm saying goodbye to the little shop that survived cyclones, cancer, COVID and 22 years of memories — a shop that was only possible because this community held me up every step of the way.
After almost 22 years in the Sands Arcade, it breaks my heart to share that Bling Bling Costumes will be closing down.
A new owner has purchased the building and the rent has been increased to a level I simply cannot sustain. After two decades of pouring my life into this little shop, I don't have another location to move to. This truly is the end of an era.
Bling Bling Costumes has stood through so much with this community - cyclone Marcia, the GFC, COVID, brain surgery, and lung cancer (for which I am still undergoing treatment); and every challenge in between. Through all of it, you kept walking through my doors. You kept me going. You kept this tiny, sparkly corner of Yeppoon alive.
Now, as I prepare to close, all stock must go. Every item is reduced, and I would love nothing more than to see familiar faces come in, pick up some treasures, and help me clear the shelves.
If Bling Bling Costumes has ever dressed you - if we've ever shared a laugh, a frantic last-minute costume rescue - please consider sharing this post so the community knows we're closing.
Thank you for 22 years of colour, chaos, creativity and connection. Thank you for supporting a small local business through every storm. Thank you for being part of my life.
With love,
Ren xx🕊️
Please share now.
credit- Karen Calvert
