Discount 70 (4027 Central Av. NE., Columbia Heights, 763-781-8922) has an excellent selection of Halloween decor (houses, figurines, hanging decorations) and kids' costumes marked 70 percent off retail. It's one of my favorite surplus stores in the Twin Cities. If you haven't been there before, Discount 70 gets a lot of returns from Target and Costco. It's also one of the best furniture outlets. There is 30 day return policy as long as you charge it. Cash or checks get in store credit only.

Arc's Boo-tiques open at Value Village stores in one week (Sept. 24). It's a great place for adults and kids to find costumes for a few bucks. Value Village boo-tiques are open Thursday, September 24, through Saturday, October 31. Find inexpensive accessories and decorations too at:
• Brooklyn Center, 6330 Brooklyn Blvd.; (763) 503-3534
• New Hope, 2751 Winnetka Ave. N.; (763) 544-0006
• Richfield, 6528 Penn Ave. S.; (612) 861-9550
Stores are open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., for shopping or donating. For more information, visit www.arcsvaluevillage.org.