Visiting Rubie's Costume Company is a delight and just like visiting a candy store. 

"It's fantastic, it's a child's dream," said one customer.

Coincidentally, a candy store is how this business began in 1951.

"My father was very entrepreneurial, he assessed very quickly that we had a young crowd hanging out in the store for sodas and magazines and said ‘what else can I sell them?’," said Howard Beige, the Executive Vice President of Rubie’s Costume Company.

In 2017, the family-owned business calls itself the "world's largest designer and manufacturer of costumes".

The company has showrooms in 13 countries and sales in stores like Costco and Walmart.

Unlike countless manufacturers that have left New York, Rubie's still has production facilities in the city.

At their facility in Richmond Hill, workers stitch together costumes in a sewing room located behind its flagship store on Jamaica Avenue.

In the front of the store there is every costume imaginable and for kids, adults and even pets.

"It was amazing we had a good time trying on costumes it was difficult to choose but this is the one I chose," said another customer.

The company has around 200 branding and licensing agreements with big name entertainment companies but not everyone comes looking for a costume.

"We have created what they call “retailtainment”, not the old type store where it’s just on display. We actually have active motion we have things that are moving around we have giant figures," said Beige.

Just days before Halloween production is ongoing at Rubie's because pop culture can change what sells.

"We run production 52 weeks out of the year. We’re producing new items up ‘til the end for Halloween," said John Clausen, the General Manager at Rubies Costume Company.

The need to capitalize on the latest trends is one reason Rubie's still makes costumes in the U.S.

It can transform an idea into a costume on its shelves in  a matter of weeks, a quick turnaround that would not be possible if all manufacturing was overseas.

The company’s owners say the family atmosphere at Rubie’s is another reason they haven’t moved.  

"Some of my ladies have been here over 30 years. I can’t replace the experience that I have," said Clausen.  

Cecilia Celis has worked at Rubie’s in Richmond Hill since the 1970s.

"I love in the factory…I like too much," said Celis.

Rubie's employs about 500 people in the city and another 800 on Long Island.

On November first, they will all begin working toward filling orders for next Halloween.