Dubuquers seeking to get spooky have several Halloween costume opportunities this year, even with a large seasonal retailer not opening locally in 2024.
Marisa Uzzolino, senior public relations manager for Spirit Halloween, confirmed in an email this week that the holiday giant opened eight Iowa locations this year, with the nearest to Dubuque being in Davenport, Cedar Rapids and Waterloo.
However, national survey data shows that Halloween shoppers turn to plenty of different sources for costumes. The National Retail Federation reported that 37% of respondents said they buy Halloween items at discount stores — the most common answer. Tied for second place with 33% of respondents were online shopping and specialty Halloween/costume stores.
In Dubuque, consumers have several stores to choose from for their festive needs.
“We have a good variety, a good selection of characters and sizes,” said Courtney Gebke, assistant manager at As They Grow consignment store. “I don’t think we have a costume over $13. It’s all pretty affordable.”
Gebke said some of last year’s favorites still are popular.
“We have a couple Ken and Barbie (costumes) already sold,” she said.
Gebke said her store also has different classic costumes, such as vampires, pirates, princess and superheroes.
A large Madonna costume in the window of CHAIN Vintage indicates some of the options buyers have at the Dubuque store.
Fashion merchandiser Jennifer Tigges said the business, owned by her son Willie Tigges, offers plenty of apparel for do-it-yourself costumes. She said staff can help customers design their own costumes.
“A lot of stuff is more … self-expression, unisex, not the cookie cutter (costumes),” Jennifer Tigges said. “With vintage, it’s really about starting with a piece and then adding onto it and having fun with the process.”
While typically open only for a few hours on Saturdays and Sundays, CHAIN Vintage expanded its hours for Halloween last year. Jennifer Tigges said that while nothing is finalized, that might be the case again this year.
Jennifer Tigges said CHAIN Vintage has affordable options, as well.
“(Willie) has costumes that start at $5,” she said.
Shoppers can also find seasonal apparel at certain retailers, even those that don’t sell Halloween costumes.
“We don’t carry costumes per se,” said Connor Jennings, store manager at Dubuque’s Old Navy location. “We carry (Halloween-themed) onesies, pajamas … graphic tees, stuff like that.”
Jennings said seasonal onesies sold at Old Navy can be a good option for children too young for an elaborate costume.
For some people, buying a costume that is only worn for a few hours can be a nuisance or financial burden. A need for sustainability inspired staff at James Kennedy Public Library in Dyersville, Iowa, to start a costume swap this year.
“The kids outgrow it, and you don’t know what to do with it,” library Director Shirley Vonderhaar said of the costumes.
Vonderhaar said many Dyersville residents either make their own costumes or shop for them in Dubuque. The costume swap has the potential to give locals another option this year.
Those interested in helping can donate their new or gently used costumes, masks, hairpieces, accessories and unused makeup at the library until Friday, Sept. 27. The swap takes place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 28, at the library.
Vonderhaar said while library staff had not yet unpacked all the donations, they have received several bags and hope for a good turnout at the swap.
Vonderhaar said that so far, she has seen many Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle costumes, as well as princesses and superheroes.
“There’s a lot of variety,” she said.