Retailers see creative costumes in down economy

With Halloween right around the corner, Goodwill and other stores are preparing for last-minute shoppers.

October is Goodwill's busiest month of the year with people looking for cheap Halloween costumes and decorations.

"In this economy, who can afford to spend a lot of money on a costume?" Seattle Goodwill spokesman David Sandler said. "It's going to be less expensive than buying something new."

The Silverdale and Bremerton Goodwill stores have had costume consultants on hand every weekend to help customers create Halloween costumes using clothing and items for sale inside the stores.

"These consultants know where things are in the stores and can help put together looks," Sandler said. "There's plenty of good stuff to be found and it changes every day."

Sandler said he's seen a variety of costumes come from Goodwill stores and, with such a large selection of goods, there's no telling what costume consultants and customers can come up with.

"You can be extremely creative," he said. "By browsing the racks, you can create a really unique outfit."

Goodwill stores also have ready-made costumes available for purchase, so customers don't necessarily have to piece together a look.

Pacific Northwest Costume on Riddell Road in Bremerton has ready-made costumes, makeup, shoes and anything else one would need to complete a Halloween look.

"We have professional theatrical makeup and knowledgeable people who can answer your questions," said owner Annetta Knight. "We're a costume shop all year long. We don't just have a costume aisle."

Knight said she's had a strong Halloween season so far and expects to see lots of last-minute costume shoppers today and tomorrow.

Costume consultants will be available 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. tomorrow at Goodwill stores.

Pacific Northwest Costume is open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. tomorrow.

"I'm sure we'll be here until probably 8 o'clock though," Knight said.

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