Mardi Gras Retailers Ramp Up Sales

As parades preparations ramp up for the start of the Mardi Gras season, so does customer traffic at local retailers like Rosie's Fashions.

"Oh yes, all day long, 7 days a week," store owner, Rosie Miller.

For 29 years Rosie has played fairy godmother, helping women become the belle of the ball and says the good thing about fashion is that it never gets old.  "It's beautiful. The dresses are gorgeous and they get prettier every year. We keep saying they can't get prettier but they do. From plain and simple to loud and extravagant, anything pretty much goes at a Mardi Gras ball.

Racquel Carstarphen has just over a week to find her perfect gown.  She's attending one for the first time.  "It's hectic looking around for the perfect dress. I want the one with a lot of colors in it though."

"Bright colors, bright colors, everybody wants bright colors. And the sequins they like glitz on top, but now full beaded, says Rosie.

Traffic at Francias is also moving at a steady pace. Jimmy Francias is pretty much an expert when it comes to men's formal wear.  His store has been around for over 40 years and he says unlike women, men fashion sticks more to tradition.  "In New Orleans you can wear a little bit of everything as far as men and women go.  In Mobile, you have your traditional costumes, which is your white tie and tails, and all the ladies gowns have to be floor length."

Jimmy also says many guys that come in look to rent their tuxedos, but buying one could be a great investment instead.  "If they come in to rent we try to get a feel for if they are going to two balls a year, three balls a year because if they do, they really need to buy their own set of tales whether it be used or new.

As you make your plans for Mardi Gras this year, a new app for iPhone and Android phones called "Mardi Gras in South Alabama" has listed everything from parade routes, to ball schedules.  You can download the app for 99 cents.