CJAD AM at 8:40am – Halloween Costumes
Wednesday, October 21st, 2009Q1 With Halloween only10 days away, people are busy planning what to wear themselves or for their children, what are the popular costumes this year?
Before it was movie characters that drove the costume industry and now video games are breaking through: Super Mario Brothers (Mario and Luigi), Halo from X-box, 3 Hundred (movie/video game for iPhone and no surprise, Michael Jackson is big this year.
For movies (adults and kids): Watchman, Queen Gorgo, Batman/girl, Spiderman, Cat Woman, Wonder Woman, Transformers, GI Joe and Star Wars never goes away. I’m Sad to say sex sells: sexy police, nurses, etc. For kids it’s Sesame Street, GI Joe, Minnie Mouse, Transformers, Tinker Bell,etc. Less of traditional costumes are moving and only licensed ones.
Q2: For those that are bored of the same old stuff, are there any new ideas or products out there?
Couple going to parties, they have “duets”: mustard & ketchup, plug & socket, Fred & Wilma, Scooby Doo gang, Disco characters. You can buy a nylon sleeve that makes it look like you have tattoos up your arm. Theatrical makeup (way beyond a black eye) can be glued onto your skin so it looks like your throat was slashed or that a pencil is coming out of your arm. Vampire stuff is big this year: teeth, cape, blood.
Q3 With cost being a factor for some, can you suggest any place for deals?
Each year Halloween warehouses open up, this year there are 7 locations: 5840 Taschereau (across the street from last year’s store); Laval, 1990 boul. le Courbusier (corner Boul. Tessier); Longueuil, 2588 ch. Chambly((corner: Jacques Cartier); Pierrefonds, 4800 boul. St-Jean (across the street from Loblaws); Mail Place Vertu; Repentigny Terrebonne, Carrefour Lachenaie, 250 Montee des Pionniers. www.halloweenmegavente.com
Q4 Where are the stores where we will we find everything we need?
Giggles – Besides being a full party store and balloon center, there’s a pre-made loot bag service, or you can create your own from 100’s of low priced toys. Party decor and paper goods are organized by colors or themes – High School Musical, Spiderman, Dora, Cars, Hollywood, luau, casino, wedding/shower, etc., but you can still find a whoopee cushion ($1.49), a pin the tail on the donkey ($1.99), lots of costumes or pick letters to build your own banner. How about putting an edible photo on-a-cake or the cupcake service?
Location: 7143 Boul. Newman, LaSalle
Corner: Senkus
Phone: 514-363-9472
October Hours: Mon-Fri 10-9, Sat & Sun 10-5
Temporary location (until Nov 1): Delson Plaza, 35 boul. Georges Gagne
Phone: 450-638-6221
www.giggles.ca
Party World – Everything you need to create a fun party is here – balloons, tableware, loot bags, candles and even a party room to have it in (entertainment, food, cake, a place for the adults). For dressing up there are costumes, makeup, eyelashes, hats, fake blood, swords, boas and a wall of wigs. Theme cakes can be baked for you.
New location: 188 St. Jacques, Ville St-Pierre
Phone 514-369-2221
Hours: Mon – Wed 10-6, Thurs & Fri 10-7, Sat 9-5
Party Mania – You can find just about any party need in this large store. There are bridal, baby, luau and anniversary rows along with significant birthday decor – 30, 40, 50 and 60. The balloon choices cover an entire wall, and look down the aisles for cake decorating supplies, ribbons, stickers galore, pinatas, boas, leis, loot bag stuffers, wrapping paper, costumes wedding accessories, printable stationery and of course, paper goods in coordinated colors or for themed parties.
For those of you who aim to win costume contests, they buy only1 or 2 of a few costumes.
Location: 950 boul. St-Jean, Pointe Claire
Corner: Boul. Brunswick
Phone: 514-694-3115
Oct 19-31 hours: Mon-Fri 10-9, Sat 9-6, Sun 11-5
Temporary locations: Greenfield Park, 3568 Boul. Taschereau; St-Rose, 550 Cure Labelle; St-Leonard, 5940 Boul. Metropolitain est.