Halloween is right around the corner, and while some Lansing locals have been decorating their homes and planning the perfect costume for weeks, others of us have been … not doing that. If you’re a last-minute Halloween queen, Samhain Samuel or haunted they-ride, this guide is for you!
Everyone knows you can get costumes at our area’s larger retailers like Meijer, Walmart and Spirit Halloween. But I’m here to tell you that you can keep Halloween super spooky and hyper-local with thrifted garments, festive décor and unique gifts that support the businesses and individuals that make Lansing so freakin’ creepy. In a good way!
Thrift Witch
108 E. Cesar E. Chavez Ave., Lansing
Noon-7 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday
Noon-5 p.m. Sunday
www.facebook.com/ThriftWitchVintage
Witch, please. This is the quintessential year-round Halloween store in Lansing. It’s filled with spooky statues, vintage clothing, masks, tea towels, taxidermy animals and much more.
Metro Retro
304 E. Grand River Ave., Lansing
Noon-7 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday
Noon-5 pm. Sunday
www.facebook.com/ShopMetroRetro
A short walk down the block from Thrift Witch is Metro Retro, a vintage store run by mysterious yet friendly shopkeeper Ted Stewart, who sources items both old and new from the netherworld and arranges them in festive vignettes that are sure to spark your creativity.
Riverwalk Theatre Costume Shop
1131 May St., Lansing
4-6:30 p.m. Monday and Friday
1-4 p.m. Wednesday
At Riverwalk’s Costume Shop, you can rent theatrical-quality costumes, including shoes, accessories, wigs, bags and jewelry. Let the professionals do their work and get ready to wow a crowd in your fit.
Bad Annie’s Sweary Goods
1209 Turner Road, Lansing
11 a.m.-7 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday
11 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday
This very sweary shop doesn’t really offer costumes, but its rude, curse-filled décor is perfect for letting the neighbors know that you’re a pumpkinlicious, foul-mouthed freak. If you think “live, laugh, love” is cringe but still enjoy little signs with fun sayings, satisfy your most craven cravings here.
Bradly’s HG
319 E. Cesar E. Chavez Ave., Lansing
10 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Saturday
Noon-5 pm. Sunday
This overstimulating home goods store offers everything from plates to pillows to pâté. Its inventory is quickly turning over to the Christmas season, but you might be able to score some cute, discounted wares like candy trays, toothbrush holders and tiny pumpkins to put in a glass bowl.
Deadtime Stories
1132 S. Washington Ave., Lansing
Noon-6 p.m. Wednesday-Friday
11 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday
11 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday
This REO Town store sells books about “monsters, both real and imagined,” and owner Jenn Carpenter hosts a podcast about historical crime called “Violent Ends.” Check out this little (book)shop of horrors to find the perfect gift for the true-crime-addicted person in your life — or in your mirror.
Don’t forget the pets
Fur children don’t watch Marvel movies, so you can dress them up in whatever you want! City Pulse Dish columnist Lizy Ferguson reported finding a good selection of animal costumes at HomeGoods in the Frandor Shopping Center. Pet owners can also try Preuss Pets in Old Town or Soldan’s Pet Supplies for Halloween-themed treats that will make your furry friend eager to learn a new trick.
Last-minute zombie
One final option for the truly depraved: when in doubt, grab something from your closet, like a prom dress, sports uniform or athleisure wear, then simply apply fake blood to your face. It’s a little costume this writer calls, “zombie whatever.” I’ve been a zombie marathon runner, a zombie emo kid, a zombie farmer ... the list goes on. If you’re going to go this route at a costume party, at least bring a nice gift for the (g)host.
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