What's big among costumes so far this year? "Avatar," Lady Gaga, vampires, werewolves and the always-popular pirates are the early frontrunners, said Ed Prechel, owner of seven Halloween Express franchises. Most people wait until the last minute for costumes, but early birds peck the shelves clean of new scares such as the "vibrating bush" that shakes a shrub as a pair of eyes glow ($15, Spirit Halloween).
You'll find a larger selection of costumes and decor at the specialty stores listed below than at discounters, but also try thrift and vintage stores.
TEMPORARY STORES
Halloween Express (www.halloweenexpress.com; Apple Valley, Burnsville, Maplewood, 651-748-1185 and Maple Grove): Adult and kids costumes, some home decor.
Halloween Fun Shop (www.halloweenfunshop.com; Champlin, 763-323-4440, Maple Grove, Minnetonka and Shakopee): Adults and kids costumes, makeup and decor.
Halloween Shop (www.halloweenshopcostumes.com; Burnsville, 952-807-3897): Adult costumes mostly, no decor.
Monster Halloween (www.somonster.com/minnesota; Mpls., 612-871-2114): Costumes for adults (mostly women), kids and pets, some home decor.
Spirit Halloween (www.spirithalloween.com; Apple Valley, Blaine, Burnsville, Edina, Minnetonka, Roseville, St. Paul and Woodbury, 651-578-6664): Costumes, decor and animatronics.
YEAR-ROUND SHOPS
Costumes Ltd. (www.costumesltd.com or 1-877-577-2802): Roseville-based website with about 300 costumes.
