Best Places for Halloween Costumes in Richmond

Best Places for Halloween Costumes in RichmondFor many of us, Halloween is more than just a day – it’s an event that we plan for months. From choosing the perfect themes to finding the perfect costumes, we tend to put a lot of time, energy, and money into the venture. Because of this, finding the right Halloween costumes and accessories is important – especially as our kids get older and want more say in what they wear.

Whether you go for costumes that are ready-to-wear straight off the rack or you spend hours on Pinterest getting inspiration for a do-it-yourself masterpiece, it’s nice to have a list of local resources for Halloween costumes and supplies. That’s where we come in.

While there are plenty of online retailers, given the cost of many costumes, it’s always nice to be able to see what you’re buying in person before you actually buy it. With that in mind, we’ve put together a list of the best places in Richmond to find Halloween costumes for the whole family – from Power Ranger suits that are ready-to-go to elegant vintage creations that will make heads turn.

Our criteria for choosing the best shops include the following:

  1. Plenty of options for costumes ranging from simple to elaborate
  2. Convenient locations
  3. Reasonable price range

Whether you’ve been planning your costumes since last Halloween, or you need something in a hurry, these shops will have your family Halloween-ready in no time. Take a look at our favorites, but be sure to let us know if you have a favorite Halloween costume resource that we might have left off the list!

 

Bygones Vintage Clothing / Facebook

For those of you who like to go for more of a build-your-own costume approach, you might find that it’s difficult to find authentic pieces to really make your ideas come alive. This is especially true if you’re going for a vintage or period look. If that’s the case, then thank goodness for Bygones. Bygones Vintage Clothing in Carytown is a virtual treasure trove of vintage and period clothes and accessories. From the flair of old Hollywood to the good time vibe of the roaring ‘20s, Bygones has a wide selection of vintage, antique and reproduction gowns, dresses, casual clothes, and tuxedos. Looking for the perfect accessory? Choose from tiaras, hats, jewelry, boas and so much more. The best part is that Bygones makes for fun shopping all year long…not just Halloween.

Why we love them: If you’re looking for popular characters rather than past eras, Bygones may not be your family’s one-stop-costume-shop. But if you want one-of-a-kind pieces that will stand out in a crowd? Bygones is the place to go. Style yourself (or anyone in the family) as Southern Belles, old Hollywood leading men or just about any other personality from the past – and rest assured that you’ll be the belle of the ball, no matter what your costume.

Location and Contact:
2916 West Cary Street
Richmond, VA 23221
(804) 353-1919
www.bygonesvintage.com
bygonesva@gmail.com

 

Party City / Instagram

Known for their vast selection of party supplies, custom invitations and decorations for every occasion, Party City also serves as Halloween headquarters for many families in the Richmond area. This retail chain offers up one of the best selections of costumes for everyone from babies to grown-ups. You’ll find every style and size costume imaginable, not to mention a complete selection of wigs, make-up, and accessories to finish off your look. Of course, we always like to feature locally owned businesses, but Party City’s selection is too good to pass by. Be sure to stop by one of their three regular Party City locations in the Richmond area, but stay on the lookout for Halloween City, coming soon to White Oak Village on South Laburnum Avenue.

Why we love them: Because they are a large retailer, Party City is able to offer great prices on their costumes and accessories. Likewise, they offer many costumes that are their own exclusive brand and design for an added level of uniqueness. But what really sets them apart for us is the selection. Whether you want something straight off the rack, need bits and pieces to complete a costume you already have, or want to turn your house into a haunted Halloween extravaganza, they’ve got just what you’re looking for. Find costumes, of course, but don’t forget the decorations – from animated props to stretchy, life-like cobwebs, one trip to Party City is all you need to create a perfect Halloween night for the whole family.

Location(s) and Contact:
West Broad Street
9130 West Broad Street
Richmond, VA 23294
(804) 346-8600

Stonehenge Village
12741 Stone Village Way
Midlothian, VA 23113
(804) 379-7857

Southpark Square
1865 Southpark Boulevard
Colonial Heights, VA 23834
(804) 520-0500

 

3. Spirit Halloween

Willow Lawn / Facebook

This seasonal superstore opens its doors once a year with the sole intent of making sure your Halloween is unforgettable. Spirit stores are open from late August until early November with shelves that are stocked with Halloween costumes, accessories, decoration and décor. From the hottest kids’ TV and movie characters to the creepiest concoctions for adults, Spirit Halloween has costumes for the whole family, as well as props, make-up, wigs, and accessories. Once you’ve found the perfect costumes, you’ll want to be sure to get your house ready, too. Choose from life-like animatronics to make your yard the spookiest one on the block, or find simple party supplies to host a kid-friendly bash. Everything you need is right there under one roof.

Why we love them: Like Party City, Spirit Halloween is a national chain. But, also like Party City, they really do have everything you need to make Halloween special. In fact, what makes them stand out to us is the fact that they are only open for Halloween – which means that everything in the store is about Halloween and nothing more. In the end, they make it possible to get the entire family ready for the holiday with a single shopping trip. And in the midst of our busy lives, that kind of convenience can make all the difference in the world!

Location(s) and Contact:
Click here to find the Spirit Halloween store nearest you.

 

Goodwill of Central and Coastal Virginia / Facebook

Ok, we know Goodwill is not a “costume shop” by definition. But back in the college days, Goodwill was our automatic go-to for finding creative clothing, accessories and more to create costumes on a budget. And great selection and affordability is what earns Goodwill a place on our list today. At any Richmond-area Goodwill store, you’ll find unique, funky, funny and just plain fun pieces to assemble a Halloween costume that will have the whole neighborhood talking. With items for men, women, and children, not to mention shoes and accessories, you can put together fabulous costumes for the whole family without breaking the bank.

Why we love them: If you’ve ever tried to get an entire family ready for Halloween, then you know how quickly those costumes can add up. At Goodwill, budget friendly items are the standard. And sure, you might have to work a little harder to get all the bits and pieces you need for the final product, but you’ll also have a chance to exercise your creativity without feeling like you need a second mortgage to fund it.

Location(s) and Contact:
Carytown Boutique, Second Debut
3114 West Cary Street
Richmond, VA 23221
(804) 254-7623

Laburnum Station Retail Store
3979 Gay Avenue
Henrico, VA 23231
(804)998-1401

West Broad Retail Store
6202 West Broad Street
Richmond, VA 23230
(804) 285-0571

Mechanicsville Retail Store
7147 Brandy Run Drive
Mechanicsville Virginia 23111
(804) 417-6700

 

Premiere Costumes Carytown / Facebook

Located on Cary Street, Premiere Costumes has been the go-to costume retailer for Richmond families since 1974. And it’s easy to see why. With one of the best selections around, you’d be hard pressed to dream up a costume that they can’t help you create. From ready-made costumes that include popular TV and movie characters to a full supply of wigs, accessories and theatrical make-up, you’ll find everything you need to make your Halloween costumes festive, fun, or frightening.

Why we love them: With so many “super” stores, big box stores and chains out there, a locally owned and operated shop can feel like a rare find these days – especially for something like costumes. But Premiere has been locally owned for more than 40 years. Today, just like when they first opened, their knowledgeable, friendly staff will help you browse their 3,000 square-foot shop to find the perfect costumes and accessories for everyone in the family – from kids to adults. And while they no longer rent their costumes, they do offer “retired rentals” for sale at great prices. So get as creative as you want with your themes and costumes this year – for the kids or the whole family – and know that Premiere Costumes can make your Halloween visions come to life.

Location and Contact:
3339 West Cary Street
Richmond, VA 23221
(804) 355-3887
www.premierecostumesrva.com

 

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Anna Strock
Anna has spent the last 18 years writing, directing creative projects, and trying to be the best mom possible to her three girls. When she's not exploring Richmond for the latest and greatest resources, offerings, and activities, she can be found daydreaming on travel blogs, drinking too much coffee, and running kids to endless activities.