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Where to shop for Halloween

What's big among costumes so far this year? "Avatar," Lady Gaga, vampires, werewolves and the always-popular pirates are the early frontrunners, said Ed Prechel, owner of seven Halloween Express franchises.

October 14, 2010 at 3:50PM

What's big among costumes so far this year? "Avatar," Lady Gaga, vampires, werewolves and the always-popular pirates are the early frontrunners, said Ed Prechel, owner of seven Halloween Express franchises. Most people wait until the last minute for costumes, but early birds peck the shelves clean of new scares such as the "vibrating bush" that shakes a shrub as a pair of eyes glow ($15, Spirit Halloween).

You'll find a larger selection of costumes and decor at the specialty stores listed below than at discounters, but also try thrift and vintage stores.

TEMPORARY STORES

Halloween Express (www.halloweenexpress.com; Apple Valley, Burnsville, Maplewood, 651-748-1185 and Maple Grove): Adult and kids costumes, some home decor.

Halloween Fun Shop (www.halloweenfunshop.com; Champlin, 763-323-4440, Maple Grove, Minnetonka and Shakopee): Adults and kids costumes, makeup and decor.

Halloween Shop (www.halloweenshopcostumes.com; Burnsville, 952-807-3897): Adult costumes mostly, no decor.

Monster Halloween (www.somonster.com/minnesota; Mpls., 612-871-2114): Costumes for adults (mostly women), kids and pets, some home decor.

Spirit Halloween (www.spirithalloween.com; Apple Valley, Blaine, Burnsville, Edina, Minnetonka, Roseville, St. Paul and Woodbury, 651-578-6664): Costumes, decor and animatronics.

YEAR-ROUND SHOPS

Costumes Ltd. (www.costumesltd.com or 1-877-577-2802): Roseville-based website with about 300 costumes.

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Fantasy Gifts (www.fantasygifts.com; eight Twin Cities locations, including Lakeville, 952-469-1008): Website is for mature viewers; adults-only costumes, including plus-size women's.

Norcostco/Northwestern Costume (www.norcostco.com; Golden Valley, 763-544-0601, Plymouth, 763-546-9644): High-end specialty costumes, makeup and special effects in Golden Valley; rental and retail costumes and accessories in Plymouth.

Party City (www.partycity.com; 19 locations in the Twin Cities, including Apple Valley, 952-953-0084): Many costumes plus outdoor decor.

Twin Cities Magic & Costume (www.twincitiesmagic.com; St. Paul, 651-227-7888): More than 4,000 costume rentals, wigs, fog machines and accessories; more than 15,000 items for sale, including makeup.

John Ewoldt • 612-673-7633 or jewoldt@startribune.com. If you spot a deal, share it at www.startribune.com/blogs/dealspotter.

about the writer

about the writer

John Ewoldt

Reporter

John Ewoldt is a business reporter for the Star Tribune. He writes about small and large retailers including supermarkets, restaurants, consumer issues and trends, and personal finance.  

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