Salvation Army Provides Affordable Halloween Costumes Amid Rising Prices

The rising costs of Halloween costumes have prompted many families to seek budget-friendly alternatives, with the Salvation Army stepping in to offer affordable options. In Clinton Township, the Salvation Army provides a variety of costumes and accessories at significantly lower prices than mainstream retailers. For instance, a child’s Glinda the Good Witch costume is priced at approximately $89.99 at major retailers, while an adult pirate costume can cost around $39.99. In contrast, the Salvation Army offers packaged costumes for under $10.

Lori Bircolas, the store manager at the Clinton Township Salvation Army, emphasizes the creativity that thrift shopping allows. She recalls her own experience of assembling a scarecrow costume using items purchased from the store, including a pair of worn jeans and a flannel shirt. “There is always the nostalgic costume like the scarecrow or the pirate that is very easy to put together,” Bircolas said. “All of our stores can take you as far as you let your creativity take you.”

The store features various packaged Halloween costumes priced at less than half the retail price. Items like short skirts for a Wednesday Addams costume are available for only $2 to $3, while a black Hepburn-style floor-length dress can be purchased for $12.99. With a little imagination, shoppers can create a range of costumes, from rock stars to animals and sports figures.

Accessories play a crucial role in completing Halloween outfits. The jewelry counter at the Salvation Army offers a variety of options, from pearl necklaces to colorful beads. Bircolas fondly remembers when her son dressed as The Joker from Batman, sourcing his costume components from the store, showcasing how easy it is to find unique pieces at affordable prices.

For those looking for even more savings, the Clinton Township Salvation Army features a “pound store” where clothing is sold for $1.59 per pound, and shoes for $3.29 per pair. Envoy Jacqulynn Idzior highlights some of the standout items, including a retro 1980s color block purse and a sequined scarf, perfect for a gypsy or belly dancer costume.

“There’s just something fun about piecing together a costume without a huge investment,” Bircolas noted. The store also offers a promotion where customers can select five items for $1.99, making it easy to find accessories like plastic tiaras or Hawaiian leis. Special discounts are available for military members, teachers, students, and seniors, with additional savings offered on designated days.

All proceeds from the Salvation Army stores support the non-profit’s adult rehabilitation center located on Fort Street in Detroit. This center has been providing a comprehensive 180-day program for individuals struggling with substance abuse since the 1970s, following a multimillion-dollar renovation that took place from 2005 to 2007.

The Clinton Township Salvation Army is located at 34150 Gratiot Ave, making it a convenient stop for anyone looking to create an imaginative Halloween costume without breaking the bank.