[Skulls at Wizard’s Chest. Photo: Dylan Otto Krider] Halloween is a huge event for a lot of Coloradans. In the weeks leading up to this annual fright fest on October 31st, spider webs, pumpkins and spooky goblins begin to appear.
People take pride in their costumes, often researching for hours and browsing store to store. Luckily, the Denver Metro Area is loaded with spooky costume stores, so finding the perfect halloween wardrobe is easy. Most folks begin shopping in early October, although most stores begin rolling out their halloween merchandise earlier in September. And the Mile High haunted houses start to freak Denverites out once fall hits.
Denver’s Best Halloween Stores for Costumes and Decorations
To ease your search for the perfect costume, we have prepared a comprehensive list, in no particular order, of stores in Denver that you can raid to achieve the wildest of transformations. No matter what your preferences are, you will surely find what you’re looking for in these stores.
Here are the top costume shops in Denver, CO, in no particular order:
1. Spirit Halloween Store
Considered as the largest supplier of all of your Halloween needs, Spirit Halloween has more than 1000 stores across the continent. In Denver alone, they have about 20.
This superstore of sorts provides an overabundance of Halloween items and costumes, ranging from Gaming, TV and Movie characters to even the most famous political personalities in the planet. They also have outdoor decors, digital decors and even fog machines. Other offerings can go as wide as creating your own costume, spooky game boards such as Ouija and animatronics. Surely, imagination has no limit in Spirit Halloween.
2. Goodwill
Want a stand out costume to wear in some Halloween party without hurting your pocket? Then Goodwill has your back. With nearly 30 locations in Denver, Goodwill offers an array of unique, though some slightly-used, Halloween costumes, accessories and decors for a much lower price than most competitors. You can also find great pieces that you can put together to create your own outfit.
But that is not the best part yet – Goodwill supports the local community by donating a big fraction of every dollar spent at their stores to Denver’s Career Development Programs. Not only were you able to celebrate the Halloween season without spending too much, you were also able to help change lives. After all, why spend a lot on something you’d only use for a day?
3. Buffalo Exchange
Buffalo Exchange is another haven for the penny pinchers and the frugal. This store has nearly 50 locations across the United States, 2 of which are in Denver.
Committed to giving back to some charitable organizations and also to the environment, Buffalo helps to preserve the nature by reusing and recycling pre-loved Halloween clothing and accessories. What makes this store a stand-out is that they buy, sell and even trade used apparel with their customers, who are given the option to either receive a fraction of the value in cash or store credit. This might just be a good mining spot for people who would love to sport that rare Halloween costume like no other.
4. Arc Thrift Store
The name says it all – with 25 branches all across Denver, Arc Thrift Store is another great option for people who wants to stay practical this coming Halloween season. According to a recent data released by the NRF, about $9 billion is expected to be spent by the 179 million Americans for this year’s Halloween; that is roughly $51 per person – not unless you are thrifty.
With Arc, you can save and shop with a purpose. Being a non-profit organization, all of the proceeds go to ACL chapters in different communities. Not only that, since almost all items are on 50% off every Saturday, you can probably show off a killer Halloween outfit for just a few dollars. Halloween should be terrifying, but price tags shouldn’t. We can all agree to this right?
5. FashioNation
Want to sport that Punk Goth look this Halloween? Then head over to this store. We all have always known how gothic Halloween costumes never fail to impress and freak us out.
Situated in South Broadway, this is definitely the go-to place for folks who want to channel the dark and the mysterious. FashioNation provides the best in both plain and printed jackets, hoodies, sweaters, skirts and pants. They also have accessories to make you look more forbidding, such as boots, belts and studs & spikes. Try something sinister and extremely fascinating this year with FashioNation!
6. Disguises Costume Superstore
Another superstore of sorts, Disguises is a consistent strong contender and top-notcher in the category. Having a 16,000 square feet of shopping space for people of all types and ages, Disguises boasts an unbelievably enormous amount of costumes and accessories of superb quality.
Not to worry shopping or renting in a store this big, as they have staffs, all trained and creative enough to give you expert advices regarding your Halloween outfit woes. Theatrical costumes, wigs, props, makeups, novelties… they certainly have whatever you might need to be your own master of disguise. Just name it and they will surely have it!
7. The Wizard’s Chest
Are you a fan of fictional universes such as the Middle Earth? Have you always been enchanted by castles and magic spells back as a kid? If you answered yes to both, then look no further! Situated in 451 Broadway, The Wizard’s Chest offers more than just costumes and accessories.
Expect your inner child to spring up once you enter this ginormous, 16,000 square foot castle. Inside, you will not only see a profusion of top-grade outfits, but you will also be astonished by their in-house magicians, hands-on play environments and loads of games and toys. Unlike other stores, The Wizard’s Chest is open daily and as such, holds weekly events and tournaments. This is by all means a great place to be not just for the Halloween but for other seasons as well.
8. Studio Lites
Want to go sexy and seductive this time? Then read on. Studio Lites is a premier and probably the coolest shop in Denver that can provide the most fabulous stuff one would ever need for this year’s Halloween.
They sell an array of wares such as specialty cosmetics, stilettos, faux furs, fake lashes, sexy costumes and other fancy accessories. Not only that – the shop is known for having the widest selection of high quality wigs. Whether it be for theatrical or medical use, this is really one hardcore go-to place for your fake hair needs. Regardless of what the buyer’s size and sexual orientation is, Studio Lites is certainly a wonder land for every average Joe and Jane wanting to glam up.
9. Fun Services, Inc.
Fun Services, Inc. is actually a full service business that helps bring special occasions to life. But do not fret yet – if you do not need a whole bunch of party equipment, they also have a party store that offers a wide selection of Halloween costumes, wigs, face paints, decorations and other fun stuff.
Whether you’re just attending or organizing your own Halloween party, they will surely fill in every detail. Factor in the reasonable prices and all the reliable and knowledgeable staffs to help you out in your selection process, your first store visit absolutely won’t be your last.
10. Reinke Brothers
What just started as a haunted attraction business is now one of Denver’s best costume shops ever built. Going by the catchphrase “It’s not just a store… It’s an adventure!”, Reinke Brothers does not only provide a massive inventory of the coolest costumes and accessories all-year round, but also offered to the public a haunted mansion.
Sadly as of this writing, their haunted mansion is still going through some serious renovation. The store remains open though, to provide customers with only the best of the best. Look no further, as they have an armory full of Hollywood-quality costumes, wigs, makeups, special effects and a lot more here. Whether you are an adult or a kid, they have got you covered.
11. Gott-A-Costume
If you have already thought of who you want to be this coming Halloween, you are in for a great treat. What’s in store for you? Gott-A-Costume offers a diverse, impressive collection of pre-packaged outfits – from Disney princesses and Marvel/DC superheroes to non-mascot characters such as pirates, cavemen and cowboys.
They also have fancy accessories such as tights and glasses, and even toy weapons! This shop is the perfect hunting ground for the not-so-diligent in sourcing and putting different pieces of articles together. If you want to play with your creativity, you can also choose from their wide selection of hats, boots, makeups, wigs, hairsprays and prosthetics.
12. Makeup Mania
So there we are. You have probably found what to wear this Halloween, that killer costume. But you are thinking, maybe it needs a little push to really stand out from the rest? That is when makeups enter the scene.
Makeup Mania candidly sets itself apart from the rest of the entries in this list, as it specializes on makeups! But they’re not just simple makeups… this shop offers premium grade products used by most movie and television professionals. If ever you are planning on bringing to life the spookiest creature or character this Halloween and just basically kill the party, then don’t leave home without crafting your face. With a bit of patience and a lot of practice, you sure will kill it!
13. Theatrical Costumes, Etc.
Last but certainly not the least, Theatrical Costumes is another one-stop shop for your Halloween madness. Situated in the metro area, this store boasts nearly 61,000 different ancillary items and nearly 1,400 costume types both pre-packaged and put-it-together-yourself.
They also have a stylish area featuring items from other parts of the globe such as Paris, Berlin and London. Open all-year round, this is a popular source of quality outfits worn by many theater performers and stage entertainers. Additionally, their staffs are genuinely friendly and will help you figure out what works for your budget. With Theatrical Costumes, you will surely go home knowing that your Halloween getup is complete from head to toe.
Thanks for checking out our list of top places to shop for Halloween costumes and decorations around Denver! Happy upcoming Halloween in the Mile High City! Don’t forget to check out some of the haunted places around Colorado during this frightening time of year.
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