The best costume stores in Nova Scotia

RIPSTERS
Known as the Halloween Freaks for as “far back as their zombie minds can remember,” these owners take Halloween seriously. Open year-round (and around the clock, if you count their online store), Ripsters offers special-effects makeup sessions throughout the year and every Saturday during the month of October. Always up on pop-culture trends, the store has big plans for this October, including a Justin Bieber costume, which has already hit shelves. Classics for little kids are Li’l Lady Bug, Mickey Mouse and the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. 622 SACKVILLE DR., LOWER SACKVILLE, 902-252-7477, RIPSTERSHALLOWEENSHOP.CA

GINGER’S COSTUMES & DANCEWEAR
Halloween costumes at Ginger’s revolve around the dancer in everyone. Little fairies and ballerinas will turn pirouettes for costumes scary and sweet. The Black Swan costume, with dark makeup and black tutus, is still a store fave. Girls looking for something more pink and perfect will love sparkling skirts and figure skating costumes. 51 KELTIC DR., SYDNEY. 902-539-4715 GINGERSDANCEWEAR.CA

THE TEAZER
There’s a new addition to this Maritime gift shop. “Summer Kids!” is an imaginative and educational play section featuring costumes for boys and girls (yes, it’s still going strong in October!). Handmade dress-up pieces for your kid’s tickle trunks include everything from capes and tutus to swords, plus crowns, magic wands and wings, for kids ages one to eight. 21 EDGEWATER ST., MAHONE BAY. 902-624-9097; THETEAZER.COM

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