Halloween is approaching, which means last-minute costume purchases are on the rise.
Halloween costumes are all about coordination. The frustration of scrolling through hundreds of costumes online, hoping they arrive on time and hoping that they fit can be overwhelming.
The holiday season also strains our planet, as many costumes that are only worn for one night are mass-produced with low-quality materials and exported around the globe.
There is a solution to the issue: shop locally and secondhand.
Instead of throwing your money at big companies that engage in fast fashion practices, save a couple of bucks — and the planet — by checking out the following Boston stores.
The Garment District: 200 Broadway, Cambridge, Mass.
The Garment District is an alternative retail store carrying new and used clothing, accessories and shoes. The store features a wide range of selections at affordable costs.
The Garment District is open Sunday through Friday from 11 a.m.-10 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m.-10 p.m. The By the Pound program, where customers pay by weight, runs Sunday through Thursday from 11 a.m.-10 p.m., Friday from 11 a.m.-6 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m.-10 p.m. However, the by-the-pound section will be closed from Thursday, Oct. 24 to Sunday, Oct. 27 to account for the swarming Halloween weekend.
The storefront adds new items daily, making each visit unique. In October, the store offers a wide selection of costumes that make the search simpler.
Despite the holiday season, the store will still sell everyday necessities like dresses, jeans, pants, suits, hats, shoes, purses and ties. So, if your costume requires some basics, there is no need to stress — The Garment District is a one-stop shop!
Great Eastern Trading Co.: 49 River St., Cambridge, Mass.
Great Eastern is a vintage-based store for all of your costume needs. The store offers personalized styling for special events or daily wear, with fashion styles reminiscent of the 1920s all the way up to the 1980s.
The store is open Thursday through Saturday from 12 p.m.-7 p.m. and Sunday through Monday from 1 p.m.-6 p.m.
The prices are moderate with a range of prices from cheap to more pricey. If you are looking for any vintage pieces for your costume, Great Eastern Trading Co. is a great place to check out.
Goodwill: 965 Commonwealth Ave., Boston, Mass.
Goodwill is a classic thrift store and may be the perfect place to find more of the basic elements of your costume. Black skirts, oversized jeans and trench coats are just a few items that are easy to find beyond the store’s doors.
The store extended its hours to 10 a.m.-8 p.m. on Oct. 25 and 26 to accommodate those looking to satisfy their costume needs this holiday rush.
The advantages of affordability, sustainability and unique items make the store worth a visit; however, there can be challenges when searching for specific sizes. Making alterations should be no issue if you are crafty, and it may even take your Halloween costume to the next level in terms of edge, style and individuality.
Buffalo Exchange: 312 Harvard St., Brookline, Mass.
At Buffalo Exchange, customers can find various items needed to make their Halloween successful. The store provides customers with Costume Stylists , who give customers an extra hand. Customers can recycle their old costumes before shopping and exchange the items for cash or store credit that can both be used to purchase this year’s apparel.
If you want to check out the location, store hours are Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m.-8 p.m., and Sunday from 11 a.m.-7 p.m.
In an article on the Buffalo Exchange blog, the staff showcases how anyone can transform the store’s selection into the perfect costume.
Buffalo Exchange’s savings and in-store assistance make the store worth stopping at if you are at a loss on what to wear for the upcoming holiday.
It is easy to lose sight of Halloween in the stress of finding the perfect costume. Remember, the holiday is a chance to have fun and take chances, and the best costumes are full of spontaneity, experimentation and imagination.
Hopefully, this list will be helpful for anyone who may be struggling to prepare for the spooky season. Whether your focus is on affordability for your pockets or sustainability for the globe, these four stores are the place to go.
