Cosplayers now have a new one-stop shop when it comes to purchasing costumes, and it's called CosTrader. CosTrader is much like Etsy in that crafters can open their own stores and sell their wares, but unlike Etsy, the site is 100 percent dedicated to cosplayers. In addition to selling full costumes, CosTrader also sells wigs, props and accessories.
The site is still in its infancy, but it features a nice variety of costumes and accessories to choose from. There are costumes for gamers, anime fans and much more. Those who don't see what they want can reach out to a crafter to commission a custom order, and crafters can list as many items as they want for free. Cosplayers, no more making your own outfits out of old dresses and cardboard.
Online Cosplay Marketplaces
CosTrader Makes Dressing Up for Comic-Con Easier Than Ever
Trend Themes
1. Cosplaying E-commerce - E-commerce platforms that cater specifically to cosplayers like CosTrader, opening up opportunities to disrupt traditional costume and party supply retail stores.
2. Custom Cosplay - A trend towards customization of cosplay costumes driven by online marketplaces like CosTrader, presenting opportunities for startups to specialize in commissioned costume design and manufacturing.
3. Accessible Cosplaying - Increased accessibility to cosplay costumes and accessories being made available online through platforms like CosTrader, potentially increasing the number of people willing to participate in conventions and events.
Industry Implications
1. Online Retail - Online cosplay marketplaces like CosTrader disrupting traditional brick-and-mortar retailers in the costume and party supply sector.
2. Costume Design - Technology has opened up opportunities for startups to specialize in commissioned costume design and manufacturing services as the demand for customization of cosplay costumes increases.
3. Convention and Event Planning - With the increasing accessibility to cosplay costumes and accessories being made available online through platforms like CosTrader, event planning startups can anticipate greater attendance at conventions and events driven by cosplay enthusiasts.