Wednesday, Oct. 21, 2009

Check thrift stores for Halloween costume needs

BETHANY WOO HERALD STAFF WRITER

Where can you find the coolest costumes at scary low prices? You don't need a magic spell to protect your wallet. Instead, check out area thrift stores for all your ghoulish needs.

This year, one-stop costume shopping appears to be on the rise since Halloween is on a Saturday, and people -- young and old -- are needing multiple costumes for Friday, Saturday and in some cases, Sunday.

And with the nation's economic slowdown, everyone's looking to save a buck.

That's why Tri-City area thrift stores are ready to help shoppers find affordable, unique costumes.

Christian Stordahl, a mother of four children all under the age of 10, said she went to Value Village in Kennewick because of its low prices.

"I try not to spend more than $10 for each kid," she said. "I've come before. I try not to buy anything too scary."

Value Village started selling Halloween merchandise in August and offers do-it-yourself costume and make-up tips on its website at www.savers.com/ Halloween.aspx.

But if you waited until the last minute, the standard super hero, pirate or vampire always are popular. It also helps that the store is open until 9 p.m. on Halloween.

"You can get one of the pricier costumes, or work on a budget for under $20," said Laura Taylor, a costume consultant at Value Village. "We have great home decor, great costumes and great vintage pieces that will help you create the best Halloween this year."

Elena Alexander, operations manager at Goodwill in Pasco, has been putting together Halloween costumes for buyers who need an entire ensemble.

"We have anything and everything you would think of," she said. "We have a lot of competition out there, but I guess if you want to be thrifty and save your money for something else instead of going to pay $60 or $70 for a costume, why not pay $10 max over here, and it's for a good cause. We have a lot of special needs individuals who benefit from our sales."

Alexandra said the store's most expensive costume right now is a cowardly lion outfit for $10.50.

Maria Hernandez, 21, of Pasco, got her 3-year-old's costume from the Pasco Goodwill, but stopped by Value Village and picked up a toy fireman's hat.

"I live in Pasco, so I don't have a chance to come here," she said. "It's cool, I like it and they have good stuff. But I like Goodwill, because they have more cheap stuff."

The St. Vincent de Paul Society has two racks full of Halloween costumes and another shelf containing decorations and playful wigs. The store does stock new items and sells them for less than half the original price.

Thrift stores offer a variety of customized options for shoppers, employees say.

"Getting a costume at a thrift store is even better than getting it at a here-for-the-year costume shop because you can get the perfect pieces and you can make it your own," said Taylor of Value Village. "All the pieces are out there."

Word of mouth and a desire to save money brought Kristin Wren, 35, of Pasco, to Value Village. "You can be creative and make your own costume. I haven't dressed up in a long time and don't want to spend a lot," she said.

Frugal Value Village shoppers can find an adult pirate costume for $15.99, or splurge a little more for a zombie costume, complete with sewn-in body parts, gloves, mask, and wig, for about $40.

Dress your toddler up as a ladybug, including red wings, for $15.99, or bring out your child's inner ninja for $19.99. Accessories range from 99 cents to $9.99 wigs.

"In generally I know (Value Village will) be lower than if I go to Halloween stores," said Angela Beatty, 29, of Kennewick. "They have good quality and low prices."

It also offers variety. Beatty's 9-year-old son wanted to be a ghost while her 3-year-old daughter wanted something less frightening.

"I wanna be like a princess," Vitalia Beatty said. "I was a ballerina last year. I like costumes. I don't like scary stuff. What I like around here is the princess section."

-- Bethany Woo: 582-1465; blee@tricityherald.com