Halloween season is officially here. Whether you planned your costume last Nov. 1 or are still undecided, here's a list of the area's best costume shops to get your freak on, be a sexy whatever or create your alter ego.
For Purchase
Do you keep a box of costumes in your closet to play dress-up? Or maybe the thought of wearing second hand scares you like Michael Myers in that creepy mask. Whatever your reason for buying brand new, these shops have got your back.
Eddie's Trick Shop -- Marietta/Decatur
Shop for your Halloween ensemble while pumping up the local economy at one of the oldest magic and costumes shops in Atlanta. Founded in 1978, this once-small store now has two locations and carries more than 5,000 products ranging from magic props to stage makeup. Marietta: Monday-Saturday until 6 p.m. Decatur: Monday-Friday until 5 p.m., Saturday until 4 p.m., closed Sunday.
Halloween Headquarters -- Atlantic Station
Located next door to Dillard's on Market Street, this costume pop-up features a vast selection of home decor, adult- and child-friendly costumes, wigs and accessories. Open Monday-Saturday until 8 p.m., Sundays until 6 p.m.
With locations throughout metro Atlanta, you're bound to run into a Spirit Halloween. This superstore takes over empty storefronts from September to Halloween with thousands of costumes, accessories and decor. Open Monday-Saturday until 9 p.m., Sunday until 6 p.m. Hours may vary by location.
This permanent party shop can see long lines during the Halloween high season, so plan accordingly. Grab your costume, party supplies and maybe a few tombstones for the front yard at one of its 23 metro locations. Open Monday-Saturday until 9 p.m., Sunday until 8 p.m. Hours may vary by location.
Target seems to have everything, including a Halloween shop. Whether you're buying the little one his first costume or dressing up like Captain America, you'll find it here -- along with that set of Melamine leaf plates you didn't know you needed. Monday-Sunday. Store hours vary by location.
DIY
If you grew up in the '70s and '80s, your mom either made your costume or you grabbed rose-colored sheets from the linen closet and said you were Pinky from Pac-Man. That's because, let's face it, you were a costume procrastinator. These consignment shops will help continue your love of DIY Halloween couture.
A variety of clothing items can be found at any of metro Atlanta's Goodwill shops for your Donald Trump ensemble or to tear up for that flesh-eating zombie costume you've been planning for Walker Stalker. Store hours vary by location.
Psycho Sisters -- Little Five Points/Sandy Springs
Whether you're heading to a disco-themed bar bash or want to bring out your inner punk rocker, the independently owned Psycho Sisters in Sandy Springs and Little Five Points specialize in vintage clothing and costumes from the roaring '20s to the raving '90s. Little Five Points: Monday-Thursday, Sunday until 9 p.m., Friday-Saturday until 10 p.m. Sandy Springs: Monday-Saturday until 7 p.m., closed Sunday.
Rag-O-Rama - Little Five Points/Sandy Springs
Party likes it's 1979, 1989 or 1999 at one of two Rag-O-Rama locations. This consignment shop is a treasure trove of unique clothing, accessories, wigs, shoes and jewelry. Little Five Points: Monday-Saturday until 9 p.m., Sunday until 8 p.m. Sandy Springs: Monday-Saturday until 8 p.m., Sunday until 7 p.m.
For Rent
Authenticity and affordability are how you do Halloween. You want to look exactly like Marie Antoinette at your Versailles party but not pay the hefty price tag. Renting a costume is easy, affordable and makes playing dress-up feel like theater.
Open year-round, this family-owned shop offers Halloween party-goers the city's largest variety of quality costumes for rent or purchase. There's a reason why it's been the go-to source for Atlanta's theater and film communities for more than 15 years. Open Oct. 1-11 until 6 p.m. daily. Oct. 12-31 until 8 p.m. Monday-Saturday, Sunday until 6 p.m.
If you're headed to Norcostco on Monroe Drive, you're serious about Halloween. You'll find authentically designed costume reproductions for rent from Broadway productions to 18th-century period attire. Open Monday-Friday until 6 p.m., Saturday until 5 p.m., closed Sunday.
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