The Costume Shoppe

I was looking for items to spruce up what we had for Halloween. I found good quality stuff, for example I had previously bought silver hairspray from Walmart for $20, I think, but almost needed two cans as it wasn't very effective. The costume Shoppe advised silver powder with a mixer. I was a little skeptical, but for $20, I can do another 5 fabulous silver hair jobs!!! Also my daughter wanted a cloak. I could have bought a cheap cloak for $20, but ended up buying a gorgeous adult one for $70, that was warm enough to wear on its own and hemmed it for use over multiple years and get a good price when ready to resell.

I recently had the absolute pleasure of visiting the Costume Shoppe in Calgary, and I must say, it was a truly wonderful experience. From the moment I walked in, the ambiance of the store set the stage for a fantastic shopping adventure. Their selection is unparalleled, catering to every imaginable party and costume need throughout the year. The highlight of my visit was the exceptional service provided by their staff. Not just one, but four incredibly helpful individuals assisted me in selecting the perfect professional Santa suit. Their professionalism was evident in every interaction. They were not only knowledgeable about their products but also demonstrated a genuine passion for helping customers find exactly what they need. Each staff member was exceptionally friendly, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere that made shopping there a delight. They made time to answer all my questions, no matter how small, ensuring that I was completely satisfied with my choice. I highly recommend the Costume Shoppe in Calgary to anyone looking for high-quality costumes and a shopping experience that is both enjoyable and memorable. Their combination of helpful, professional, knowledgeable, and friendly staff truly sets them apart. Thank you, Costume Shoppe, for a fantastic experience!

Always had interesting items, but what an incredibly hostile experience its become. They must have an unbelievably large problem with theft to have put all this in place. If that's not it, then I wonder what they think of their clientele? The staff was helpful, but they definitely have a very specific way they want you to use the store and there are 1000 signs barking orders at you. As soon as you enter the parking lot there are multiple signs telling you where, how, and how much to drive. There are signs marking doors, signs marking spots, and alphabet people paraphernalia and propaganda. When you run that gauntlet the front door has a bunch more signs! Sales are final, schedule and time reminders, inventory scheduling info, 'welcome' signs. You finally get through the front door aaaand.... you're in a roped off exclusion 'zone' and there is another sign ordering you to wait there and the staff will let you in. The staff is prompt and helpful while they hover around you, making browsing an uncomfortable experience while someone helpfully checks inventory for the item you want (they carry so much variety, not everything can be on display i guess) When it is time to pay, follow more signs - do not enter, enter here, til this way, til here, painted floor indicators/paths, foot prints while the staff just walk through all the logical barriers (do they hope you follow so they have the opportunity to chastise you?). After your transaction, you're not allowed back onto the retail floor, you follow a discrete, physically cordoned off path (with signs telling you not to go back toward the door you came in) down some back stairs (past SO many more signs and paraphernalia, but I'd had enough by then so I didn't bother reading any of them) that exit into an area of the parking lot the signs specifically told you to drive through. Enjoy the walk back to your car. I was literally the only customer in the store when I visited, which makes me wonder how it must be during actual busy periods. To maintain the rigorous compliance the store demands means you'd be waiting in the vestibule or outside, like a chump. Item quality is the same as online so given how the environment has evolved, at this point I won't bother going back. Hostile architecture is not for paying customers.