MERS Goodwill’s Top Halloween Costumes for 2013

ST. LOUIS - Oct. 15, 2013 - PRLog -- As Halloween approaches, families will be looking for creative costumes and decorations.Ghosts and goblins are scary enough, but the price tag on a costume from a specialty Halloween shop, may be the scariest thing about this ghoulish holiday. At MERS Goodwill, families can find unique, gently used items to create a memorable Halloween experience.

“No matter what you want to be, Goodwill has the clothing and accessories for creative, one-of-a-kind costumes or you can always find the perfectly spooky home decoration,” said Dr. Lewis Chartock, President and CEO of MERS Goodwill. “Many of our customers donate last year’s costume to give it new life, and then stop in to one of our stores to find a fresh costume for this season’s Halloween.”

With Americans spending almost $310 million each year on pet costumes, $1 billion on children’s costumes and $1.2 billion on adult costumes, MERS Goodwill has chosen some of its favorite costume finds to spark ideas for the cost-conscious shopper. These top picks for Halloween include a mix of the classics, along with a few of this year’s trendy get-ups. All clothing items can be found at any of MERS/Goodwill’s 42 retail locations in the bi-state area. New accessories such as trick-or-treat buckets, witches’ brooms, pitch forks, masks, wigs and makeup are available in metro area stores.

Embrace the Halloween spirit without breaking the bank with MERS Goodwill’s top picks for Halloween 2013:

Despicable Me Minion – Dress like your favorite movie creature, while spending less. All you need to get this look is a pair of overalls, a yellow sweatshirt, goggles and a pair of black boots and gloves to act as the yellow henchmen! Top off the look with a yellow painted face and the costume is all yours for less than $20.

Pageant Princess – Be a beauty queen for a day with a long, sparkly gown, dainty heels and a fun tiara. Formal dresses cost $10 and shoes are $3.

Abominable Snowman – Trick-or-treat like a furry creature with a white oversized fur coat. Paint your face white and put your paws out because this costume is only $12!

Duck Dynasty – 2013 has sparked another reality show sensation. Whether you eat squirrel or go frog hunting, you can find exactly what you need at Goodwill for less than $20! All you need to complete this look is a camouflage shirt or jacket, jeans and a beard to match Willie from Duck Dynasty. Add a fishing net to top it all off!

Kate Middleton – Dress like a royal for Halloween in a baby blue dress, some sophisticated heels, style your hair with curls and wave like a princess. Even the bundle of joy can celebrate when you pick up a white baby blanket and swaddle the prince. You will have a ball because this costume could be less than $20!

Pirate – Go hunting for treasure, while spending less. All you need to get this look is a white shirt, a dark vest, bandana, a pair of boots and some chunky costume jewelry to act as your loot! A pirate’s life can be yours for less than $20.

Zombie – The Zombie trend has been pretty hip these days, so creep out fellow trick-or-treaters by wearing a tattered shirt and slacks. Paint your face a sallow shade of green, stick your arms straight out and yell, “Brains!” because this costume is only $6!

You may also find a variety of pre-packaged, ready-to-go costumes at any Goodwill location. Premade children’s costumes start at $3, while adult costumes start at $6. And, to complete the holiday, MERS Goodwill also offers a variety of spooky decorations ranging in price, with many items under $15.

About MERS Goodwill

MERS Goodwill is a non-profit agency that provides for the vocational needs of individuals who have barriers to employment through disability or economic disadvantage. Annually serving nearly 50,000 individuals, the organization operates in 61 locations serving 74 counties in the bi-state area. Revenues from 42 Goodwill stores assist with funding MERS Goodwill job training and employment services. MERS Goodwill is a proud member of the United Way. For more information about MERS Goodwill or to find a Goodwill donation center near you, call 314-241-3464 or visit www.mersgoodwill.org.