Hollywood is full of rich history and culture. Over the years, it’s garnered the reputation of a city that’s always moving and constantly changing―but one place that’s withstood the test of time―is the historic Hollywood Toys & Costumes.
This beloved staple is so much more than your typical costume shop though. Unlike the once-a-year Halloween pop-up, they’re open 365 days a year, Monday through Sunday―always ready to provide Angelenos with their extensive collection of goods. It’s no wonder that for over 70 years, they’ve been the go-to shop for Hollywood icons like Michael Jackson to Jimmy Kimmel, and generations of Angelenos who’ve passed down the tradition.
However, even through all its decades of success, this family-owned legacy has not come easy.
Found right on the Walk of Fame, the shop first opened its doors in 1950 by the Ellowitz family. They saw a need for a toy store in the community and thus Hollywood’s Largest Toy Shop was born. Jump to 1980, a new family was given the opportunity to continue the store’s tradition of bringing happiness and building memories with locals, and the Moazzez family took on this honor.
Since then, owner Ron Moazzez changed the name and created what Hollywood Toys & Costumes is known for today, and the sentiments still remain the same―to serve the community in a creative way.
“When guests walk in, we want them to be taken back by the fact that there is such a big, colorful, beautiful store made up of everything you can think of when it comes to cosplay, drag, being creative, or using your imagination to create a character. We’re not about opening a package of a costume,” expressed Natalie Moazzez, daughter of Ron Moazzez. “We are about building that experience of finding or even creating one. We have all the little pieces… something with your own touch, something unique and special to you.”
Her words truly hold weight. They offer an array of costumes, an extensive collection of wigs, a variety of masks, accessories from jewelry to grills, make-up, novelties, oddities, collectibles, and so much more! Seriously, anything you can imagine, they most certainly have it. If you want to your imagination to run wild, this is the perfect place for you. Even if you’re having some creativity block, Hollywood Toys & Costumes is here to inspire you.
The industry-respected costume shop has been both a privilege and a labor of love for Ron Moazzez. From overcoming constant changes in the city, economic hardships, threats like Amazon, and of course, the heartbreak the pandemic has caused―they refuse to give up. But the Moazzez family reminds us, it’s not only for them.
“It’s for our neighbors too. They look forward to our busy season because that ends up trickling out to our neighboring stores as well,” shared Natalie.
Locally-owned businesses are the heart of our beautiful city. It’s far beyond the backbone, it’s the central bloodline to the community, and what makes our city what it is today. Their ultimate goal is to continue on the iconic Hollywood Toys & Costumes legacy, and to one day celebrate its 100-year anniversary with Angelenos and beyond.
“Stores like this are what make Hollywood unique with all of its history,” said Natalie. “The fact that we’re still standing, it’s truly something that we’re proud of, but we don’t take it for granted.”
There is no doubt that the store has still so much life to give, let’s keep their doors open and keep Los Angeles local. You can support their legacy by visiting them in person at 6600 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90028, or even check them out online at here. Be sure to follow their Instagram to stay up to date with them.