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So, you’ve figured out where to spend Halloween in Johannesburg. But what are you wearing? Because turning up in your everyday clothes just won’t cut it.
If you haven’t already, read: Ready to get spooked? These are the Halloween events to know about in and around Johannesburg
It wouldn’t be fair to send you off to all those Halloween parties without helping you sort out your costume first. From a classic and rather simple ghost to a look like Wednesday Addams or Chewbacca that’ll have people doing a double take - these shops can help you put your best Halloween foot forward.
Kiddie Majigs, multiple locations
Kiddie Majigs caters to younger dress-up fans, with children's costumes alongside toys, dancewear and party supplies at its Johannesburg store. What sets Kiddie Majigs apart is that many of its costumes are made locally by its own seamstresses, using patterns the family has developed over the years. The Halloween collection goes beyond the classic pumpkin costume, with separate ranges for boys, girls and adults, plus accessories, face paint and decorations.
And when Halloween is over, the dress-up fun doesn't have to stop. Kiddie Majigs also has book-character and career-day costumes for those school events that always seem to sneak up on you. Everything is sold rather than hired, and you can order online for delivery anywhere in South Africa.
Location: Craighall Park, Parkview, Lonehill and Bedfordview
Contact: 011 880 2317
Website: kiddiemajigs.co.za
Scalliwags Costume Hire, Alberton
What started in a small room at home more than two decades ago has grown into a 600-square-metre costume business in New Redruth. Scalliwags is still family-run, but there's a lot more room for costumes these days. You don't have to go down the creepy route this Halloween. Have a look through the wider collection if you'd rather dress up as something a little less predictable. Costumes are available to hire in-store, while its sister online shop, The Halloween Store, is dedicated to Halloween decorations and accessories. With separate sections for men, women and children, its accessories section is particularly useful for finishing a costume with masks, fake blood, teeth and trick-or-treat bags.
Location: Alberante Centre, 37 Penzance Street, New Redruth, Alberton
Contact: 011 869 1201
Website: scalliwags.co.za
Razzmatazz Costume Hire, Edenvale
Got a favourite film or TV character you’ve always wanted to dress up as? Razzmatazz might have just the outfit you’re looking for. Its advertised hire collection covers everything from Beetlejuice, Wednesday Addams, Jason Voorhees and Jack Skellington to witches, skeletons and vampire-inspired outfits. It's a handy starting point if you'd rather dress as a recognisable character than throw together a last-minute costume at home. Keep in mind that some items are still marked as coming soon, so it's worth checking what's available before you settle on a costume.
Location: 72 Voortrekker Avenue, Edenvale
Contact: 011 452 4555
Website: razzmatazz.co.za
Hollywood Costumes, Krugersdorp
For those who like to go all out with their Halloween look, Hollywood Costumes has more to offer than your standard fancy dress outfit. The Krugersdorp business specialises in costume hire, design and manufacturing, making it a useful option if you're after a particular character or have a specific look in mind. A good costume is one thing, but the right props and effects can really sell the look. The shop also stocks masks and special-effects items to help you pull it all together. If you have a specific vision for your costume, enquire about custom work well ahead of Halloween.
Location: 30 Rustenburg Road, Krugersdorp West
Contact: 011 660 4250
Website: hollywoodsa.co.za
Party Solutions, Randpark Ridge
Got a group costume to organise or a Halloween party to put together? Party Solutions in Randpark Ridge has been doing its thing since 1999, with costumes and party-hire equipment under one roof. That makes it a practical stop to investigate if you're putting together a Halloween gathering and need to think about the setting as well as what everyone will wear.
Location: 180 Dale Lace Avenue, Randpark Ridge, Roodepoort
Contact: 011 793 3933
Website: partysolutions.co.za
The CPS Warehouse, Northriding
Since 2008, CPS Warehouse has imported its own seasonal décor, supplying products to both retail shoppers and trade customers. Who says Halloween shopping has to wait until October? CPS Warehouse stocks Halloween decorations year-round, alongside its Christmas range. The range includes glow-in-the-dark skeleton jumpsuits and creepy clown outfits, as well as witch dresses and pumpkin costumes for younger children. You can also pick up decorative skeletons, creepy crawlies, graveyard props and other spooky decorations if you're planning to give your home a haunted-house makeover.
Location: Unit 301, Northlands Deco Park, Newmarket Road, Northriding
Contact: 011 704 7006
Website: thecpswarehouse.co.za
The Dance Boutique, Bedfordview
Best known for its dancewear and accessories, The Dance Boutique has been in business since 1987 and has since added fancy-dress costumes for adults and children alike. The shop caters to more than just the dance floor, with Halloween costumes, wigs, masks, and party accessories alongside its usual ballet shoes, tutus, leotards, ballroom products, and theatrical makeup. Halloween isn't the only time to get dressed up here. The Dance Boutique manufactures its own dancewear and performance costumes, including outfits for Latin American and freestyle dance, so it's worth a look if you're after something that could work for more than one themed occasion.
Location: 26 Bradford Road, Bedfordview, opposite Eastgate Shopping Centre
Contact: 011 622 7361 or 083 628 4079
Website: danceboutique.co.za