Patch Picks: Five Halloween Costume Stores

Half the fun of dressing up for Halloween is shopping for a costume. Whether you already know exactly what you want to be, or you're still brainstorming costume ideas, hitting the vintage, costume, and thrift stores will definitely get those creative juices flowing. These stores are already stocked with fine, second-hand costumes, as well as new Halloween attire and accessories, which will be selling right up until Halloween evening.

Although the spontaneous lampshade and two-holes-in-a-sheet costumes are never frowned upon, consider checking out these stores for some sweet Halloween garb before it flies off the hangers! 

1. Abbot’s Thrift Store

The thrift store works hand-in-hand with Valley Churches United Mission, and they have Halloween attire for both children and adults, among many other used goods like antiques, Macy's furniture, house-ware, and clothing.

Abbot’s Thrift Store relies on donations from the community, and all profits go to local charities in the Santa Cruz area. Their connection with the church allows in-need community members to obtain vouchers for their merchandise, so if you're low on cash and need to get that pirate or tiger costume for the kids, head to the church in Ben Lomond, and then head to Abbot's Thrift store.

Located south of the Felton Empire intersection on Highway 9, across from Rite Aid. Open weekdays from 10 a.m.–6 p.m.  and from 10 a.m.–5 p.m. on Saturdays, and from 12–5 p.m. on Sundays. There are 50-percent-off-sales on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

2. Caroline’s

Caroline's is a brand-spanking new thrift store that just opened on July 4th of this year. They are a volunteer–run nonprofit that donates to several organizations for children in Santa Cruz County, including Jacob’s Heart and the Special Parent’s Information Network.

Right now, Caroline’s has a huge selection of children’s costumes. Some are new and still in their packaging, others are pre-worn and all are in fine condition. They also have adult costumes.

Caroline’s is at 402 Trout Gulche Rd., Aptos. Open weekdays from 11 a.m.–6 p.m., and from 12–5 p.m on Saturday and Sunday.

3. All Shook Up Vintage Clothing & Costume/Seek and Find Vintage Collection

These two shops are located a few doors down from each other, and you can’t really visit one without checking out the other, so we grouped them together. They are both jackpots for all of your vintage-costume needs. Looking for an Elvis costume? Want to be Dolly Parton for a night? These two shops will have you covered.

All Shook Up Vintage Clothing & Costume has been selling original vintage costumes for 22 years, buying original costumes and clothing from 1970 and before. Between these two shops you’ll find everything from red–sequined shoes and cowboy boots to hats and wigs, plus all of the accessories and clothing to go in between. 

Located 861 and 853 41st Avenue, just down from Naka Sushi. Open 11–6 p.m. seven days a week.

4. Woodworm Party Store 

Conveniently located on Ocean Street by the freeway entrances, Woodworm Party store is packed with Halloween and party accessories, from goblets of eyeballs to fake cobwebs, and creepy-crawly props. They also have a huge selection of brand new costumes including mermaid, princess, and phantom-hero costumes, as well as some used costumes for half price.

Located at 1118 Ocean St., Santa Cruz. Open weekdays from 9 a.m.–7 p.m., and Saturday from 9 a.m.–6 p.m., and from 9 a.m.–5 p.m. on Sunday.

5. Closet Capers

The really serious Halloween enthusiasts and costume-party gurus avoid the wild goose chase that costume hunting can sometimes entail by renting a complete outfit from Closet Capers, the community costume rental source. They actually have costumes available to rent year-round, and the helpful sales clerks make sure you find exactly what you're looking for. If you're willing to spend a little more on a costume, this option is foolproof.

Closet Capers is at 1211 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz. Open Tuesday-Friday from 11 a.m.–5 p.m. and from 11 a.m.–4 p.m. on Saturdays. Closed Sundays and Mondays.