By Candace Byington and Chris Watson

It is time plan our Halloween!  This week we take a spin around some of the areas great seasonal Halloween shops including Halloween City and Spirit Halloween.  Plus we look at Savers, another affordable option to celebrate.  Finally, we would be remiss if we didn’t include at least one food market getting into the “spirit”…this week we tour around Monnette’s.

Halloween City

Halloween is not just for children anymore. Evidence that adults are celebrating and enjoying Halloween just as much if not more than children can be found in the seasonal costume store Halloween City. The store is a branch of Party City. Costumes for children, adults and pets along with props and party supplies can be found. Popular costumes for 2016 include superheroes, Star Wars, retro cartoons like Teenage mutant ninja turtles, care bears and my little pony. These costumes share space with classics like pirates, witches, werewolves and vampires. Party City offers several varieties of each theme of costume. Costumes for children and adults are available in each theme. At the back of the store there is a large section for accessories including masks, wings, tights, boas, hats and tutus. The last wall of the store is color coordinated called Color City. The store encourages trying on the costumes and accessories prior to purchase since returns are not allowed. Other items in the store include decorations and party supplies. You can enjoy skull shot glasses, zombie tumblers and Halloween pong balls.

Spirit Halloween

And yet another of the seasonal pop up stores in the area, their selection is good and they have a broad base of appeal, with emphasis on more “adult” costumes.  One of the great things about these stores is they capitalize on existing retail space in the area, taking some of the pressure off of local strip malls who struggle to fill large empty bays.

Savers

Who doesn’t like less expensive?  Who doesn’t like repurposing?  Savers along with other thrift stores like Goodwill have truly capitalized on the Halloween season.  They are a great resource for put together costumes (think hobos, bankers, and throw back costumes) plus are carrying a large selection of used and even new costumes.  Add a whole range of decor items and these stores provide a great alternative to the more expensive new and “now what” retailers.

Monnette’s

Monnette’s is already treating us to the season with a great selection of pumpkins and decorative gourds.  Candy, candy apples, apples, and MacQueen’s apples cider are available as well.  Plus check out their interesting selection of seasonal themed wine.