Halloween is once again upon us, and the race is on to snag that perfect, eye-catching costume.
The handful of party and costume stores in the Halifax Regional Municipality were bursting at the seams Thursday as last-minute shoppers tried to get their hands on everything from sparkly princess outfits to vials of fake blood. With Halloween falling on a Saturday this year, retailers are hoping for a big boost in adult costume sales.
Dave O’Connor, president of Glow Parties Costume Superstore in Halifax, said there have been some clear trends emerging over the past week.
“For the girls, fun and flirty is as strong as ever,” he said, glancing over at a group of teenagers browsing through an aisle filled with sexy police, nurse and sailor outfits. “That’s what the girls want.”
Vampire teeth are also big sellers in 2009, O’Connor confirmed, likely due to the massive popularity of the “Twilight” series and HBO’s hit series “True Blood”. The recent Star Trek movie has also prompted a flood of requests for pointed Vulcan ears.
Tanya Boudreau, co-owner of Ripsters Halloween Shop in Upper Tantallon, said the men showing up at her store have been flocking to the gag costumes. Whether it’s a circus clown or a busty (female) lifeguard, the guys seem to out to score big laughs at weekend parties.
There’s one getup, though, that has out-sold almost every other.
“Definitely Michael Jackson,” Boudreau said. “We couldn’t even keep it on the shelves this year.”
For couples coordinating their Halloween costumes, TLC’s “Jon and Kate” have been a popular choice – but those who don’t want to channel TV’s most embattled ex-couple can always rescue thirsty partygoers as “Beer Man and Beer Girl” for the night.
One of the more bizarre requests?
“Amy Winehouse,” Boudreau laughed. “That was a weird one.”
