The best costume stores in Alberta

CUSTOM COSTUMES
More than a store, Custom Costumes is a Halloween experience. You’ll know you’re having one by the 10-foot animated Frankenstein (he goes by “Franky”), deli counter display full of faux gruesome body parts and a looming (animated) zombie attack. Amidst the scary surroundings, however, are some seriously cute costumes like M&M’s and oversized crayons. SEPTEMBER TO NOVEMBER: 3803 CALGARY TRAIL, EDMONTON. 780-467-3738; CUSTOMCOSTUMES.CA

THE STORE UPSTAIRS
Just 15 minutes north of Calgary, you’ll find one of the province’s largest collections of Halloween costumes, wigs and accessories. Among the year-round costume collection, your little princess will find the perfect gown, locks and tiara to complete her royal outfit. The team searches for manufacturers both local and abroad to find unique pieces; ever consider dressing as a cockroach or armadillo? Didn’t think so! They also carry costumes ranging from theatrical garb to pet outfits. (Imagine how cute Spot will look dressed like Darth Vader.) 209 CENTRE AVE., AIRDRIE. 403-948-0010; THESTOREUPSTAIRS.COM

DON’S HOBBY SHOP & THEATRICAL SUPPLIES
Satisfying all your hobby and dress-up needs since 1949, Don’s Hobby Shop offers more than the regular face paint, makeup, costumes, wigs, hats, magic tricks and toys: Expert-taught makeup classes offered eight times a year. Learn professional tricks in selected themes like aging, fantasy and beauty, trauma and, of course, zombie. Kids’ costumes include everything from baby Captain Kirk to a teenage twist on a classic fairytale character: Li’l Miss Red. TWO LOCATIONS, CALGARY. 403 262-5717; DONSHOBBYSHOP.CA

THE COSTUME SHOPPE
This Calgary favourite rents out top-notch looks fit for the poshest of affairs. While big kids fit fancier rentals, smaller kids can choose from an ample selection of packaged costumes for sale including a fetching pirate, an adorable brown bear and Robin the Boy Wonder. Medieval, roaring ’20s and retro-themes are currently popular. 4307 BLACKFOOT TRAIL SE., CALGARY. 403-571-2466; THECOSTUMESHOPPE.COM

KARRIE’S KOSTUMES & DANCE SUPPLIES
Celebrating its 30th birthday this past August, Karrie’s has gone through a major expansion over the years to accommodate two levels and 5,000 square feet of dance wear and costumes for sale and rent. Hilarious classics rule here: Bananas and hot dogs are all best-sellers. The clincher? The staff includes a seamstress, makeup artist and costume history buff to make sure that banana is just right. New on shelves is a deluxe Stormtrooper costume that any Star Wars buff will love. 2001 GERVAIS RD., ST. ALBERT. 780-460-2626; KARRIESKOSTUMES.CA

CHUCKLES UNLIMITED
Enter with caution at this store where you’ll be greeted at the door by Chuckles the Creepy Clown and giant spiders and skeletons that hang from the rafters. Kids can check out Iron Man and Transformers costumes in the stocked children’s department. Or tickle their funny bone and stop by the joke section; they’ve got fart machines, shocking pens, stink bombs and candy that turns unsuspecting mouths bright blue. Gotcha! #40, 6130 - 1A ST. SW., CALGARY. 403-252-8465; CHUCKLES.CA

THE THEATRE GARAGE
As the only year-round costume store in the city, The Theatre Garage is run by seasoned professionals, including a seamstress who specializes in historical garb and was the head of wardrobe for the Edmonton Shakespeare festival last year. If they don’t have it as one of 11,000 rentable pieces, including Santa costumes come Christmas (or for a very clever Halloween costume), they’ll figure out a way to make it. Now that’s service! 10570-109 ST., EDMONTON. 780-498-6208; THEATREGARAGE.CA

For more costume stores click here.