Need a Halloween costume? Goodwill has scary good deals

Cindy Peterson
Costume coordinators Lisa Martin and Phyllis Wilson look through some of the unique costume finds at Goodwill in Eustis.
Costume coordinators Lisa Martin and Phyllis Wilson look through some of the unique costume finds at Goodwill in Eustis.

October marks one of the busiest sales months for Goodwill Industries of Central Florida. With Halloween fast approaching, last minute costumes are in high demand, so Goodwill got creative with its spooky offerings.

All 29 retail stores in Central Florida have transformed a section into specialized "bootiques" staffed by Halloween helpers ready to assist shoppers in crafting one-of-a-kind looks from a wide selection of donated clothing, shoes, hats, jewelry, and other accessories, at approximately 50 percent less than full-price retail.

“Halloween has become one of the most favorite times of the year at Goodwill,” Ed Durkee, president and CEO at GICF, said. “Most retailers look forward to the holiday season starting in November, but for us it begins in mid-August when the stores transition into ‘bootiques.’ Our employees look forward to the spooky shopping season and creating unique costumes that you won’t see anywhere else.”

Costume coordinator Phyllis Wilson, Marketing Director Anthony Adams and costume coordinator Lisa Martin show off some of the unique costume finds at Goodwill in Eustis.
Costume coordinator Phyllis Wilson, Marketing Director Anthony Adams and costume coordinator Lisa Martin show off some of the unique costume finds at Goodwill in Eustis.

Whether you’re going dressed as a zombie, killer clown or a princess, specialized costume coordinators are at the ready to help anyone looking for a specific idea.

“I think the adults actually have more fun with it than the kids,” costume coordinator Lisa Martin said. “We save clothes throughout the year that may not have been good enough to put out for regular clothing, but would make a great outfit for Halloween.”

Beyond the savings people get when shopping at Goodwill, purchasing a secondhand outfit contributes to waste reduction.

All 29 Goodwill retail stores in Central Florida have transformed a section into specialized "bootiques" staffed by Halloween helpers ready to assist shoppers in crafting one-of-a-kind looks from a wide selection of donated clothing, shoes, hats, jewelry, and other accessories, at approximately 50 percent less than full-price retail.
All 29 Goodwill retail stores in Central Florida have transformed a section into specialized "bootiques" staffed by Halloween helpers ready to assist shoppers in crafting one-of-a-kind looks from a wide selection of donated clothing, shoes, hats, jewelry, and other accessories, at approximately 50 percent less than full-price retail.

“In our last year, we kept about 20 million pounds of stuff out of landfill,” marketing director Anthony Adams said. “Kids go through costumes so fast, so why not donate it to let another kid enjoy it. We see a lot of turn around where families will donate their old costumes and come in to purchase new ones.”

Costume coordinator Phyllis Wilson said she loves her job, especially this time of the year when she can dress up and help others find their perfect costume.

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“It’s the best thing ever,” Wilson said. “Our motto is ‘Embrace the hunt,’ and people really do. It’s so much fun.”

To find the nearest Goodwill location and join the Halloween fun, visit www.CraftYourCostume.com.

This article originally appeared on Ocala Star-Banner: Goodwill unveils spooky shopping boutique as Halloween draws near

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