Halloween Costumes in Tampa Bay, Florida: Where to Shop

As Labor Day passes and summer winds down, the first visible hints that the Fall season is upon us are the Halloween displays in stores throughout the country. Though many of us are still wearing swimsuits and attending late season bar-b-ques, hay bales and scarecrows decked out in flannel shirts and straw hats are prominently displayed in storefronts designed to lure Halloween shoppers in for some early season buys. In the Tampa Bay area of Florida, shoppers can choose from a large selection of stores that carry an assortment of Halloween costumes and other festive items for Halloween revelers throughout the area. Here are some of the best shops to visit in the Tampa Bay area to find the best in Halloween costumes, accessories, and décor.

Party City - Party City carries hundreds of complete costumes, masks, capes, costume kits, and other accessories in a variety of price ranges that allow customers to build their costume as simply or elaborately as they choose. Some of the more popular costumes this season that are available at Party City in the Tampa Bay area are superheroes and supervillians such as Superman, Batman, the Hulk, and the Joker. Young ladies may choose one of the High School Musical inspired costumes, Disney princesses, or, a longtime favorite, Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz. Party City also carries a full line of decorations, costume makeup, spirit gum for applying special effects, and lifelike rubber or silicone special effects pieces that will make your mother cringe! Party City has seven locations in the Tampa Bay area, including stores in Clearwater, Lakeland, St. Petersburg, and multiple Tampa locations. More information and locations can be found at www.PartyCity.com

iParty - iParty is similar to Party City in design and product stock. iParty carries many of the same costumes, accessories, and special effects pieces that Party City carries, though often the designs and selection are slightly different. If you are looking for Halloween wear and accessories in the Tampa Bay area, iParty is a great choice if Party City doesn't have exactly the item that you are searching for. IParty has five locations in the Tampa Bay area, including stores in Tampa, Clearwater, St. Petersburg, Sarasota, and Port Richey. More information and locations can be found at www.iParty.com.

Spirit - Spirit Halloween store specializes in Halloween costumes that will be the envy of the costume party. Offering hundreds of styles and designs, Spirit Halloween store carries sexy adult costumes, fun and popular kids costumes, Spirit Halloween exclusives, and even theatrical quality costumes. Spirit Halloween is the place to go for those looking for originality, quality, and creativity in their Halloween costume. Spirit Halloween has at least twelve locations throughout the Tampa Bay area. More information and locations can be found at www.SpirtHalloween.com.

Walmart - Walmart has been a popular store for Halloween costumes, decorations, and accessories for many years. Each year, Walmart's selection seems to get bigger and bigger, bringing in a throng of customers in search of bargains and stylish Halloween costumes. While Walmart's selection isn't as extensive as those of iParty and Party City, Walmart carries many classic costumes such as Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz, animal designs, and superheroes ranging in sizes from infant to large adults and offer discount prices on most items. Walmart has many locations throughout the Tampa Bay area. More information and locations can be found at www.Walmart.com.

Rena's Wild Wear - For adults-only themed parties, Rena's Wild Wear stores in Tampa and Palm Harbor have an extensive selection of sexy costumes including sexy pirates, sports-related wear, historical figures, and many others. The Halloween costumes at Rena's Wild Wear are top-quality, and accessories such as shoes and hosiery are available as well. For those looking for a Halloween costume that is more risqué than is available at the retail chains, Rena's Wild Wear is worth a look. More information and locations can be found at www.Renas.com.

Though many people choose to make their own costumes because they can't find the quality they are looking for, many of the stores listed above in the Tampa Bay area carry top quality costumes that will be the talk of the party. Customers won't be disappointed at the selection available at these area stores, but shop early in order to ensure that your favorite character will be available for Halloween night. After all, it's the one night that it's ok to take candy from strangers!