Every October, Barrie comes alive with the spirit of Halloween. Houses across the city are adorned with everything from festive cornstalks and spooky spider webs to terrifying animatronics and eerie lighting.
Luckily for locals, Barrie is also home to a variety of stores catering to every Halloween enthusiast's needs. From elaborate costumes to spine-chilling decorations, Barrie has it all.
If you're on the hunt for the best Halloween decorations and supplies, we've curated a list of the city's top stores where you can find everything you need to transform your home and yourself.
1. Big Box Stores
Stores like Canadian Tire, Walmart, and Costco always have a great selection of Halloween costumes and decor. If you’re looking for something that’s easy to set up and still has a great impact, you’ll want to check out these stores.
Head out early in the season to find reduced prices on last year’s stock and again just before Halloween for discounts on new merchandise and floor models.
2. Grocery Stores
Grocery stores aren’t just a great place to find Halloween snacks and treats. Many of the larger chains, such as Loblaws, also carry Halloween decor.
While the selection is smaller, the prices tend to be lower than other stores.
3. Dollar Stores
For budget-friendly Halloween shopping, dollar stores can be a great option. While you might not find elaborate animatronics, these stores do offer an assortment of affordable decorations, party favors, and craft supplies.
With a little creativity, you can transform these inexpensive items into unique and spooky decorations for your home.
4. Building Supply Stores
From outdoor inflatables to indoor spooky lighting, building supply stores are a great choice for high-quality, durable options to transform your home into a haunted mansion. Their range of outdoor decorations is particularly extensive, allowing you to create a hauntingly beautiful display in your yard.
But that isn’t all building supply stores are good for at Halloween …
If you’re a DIYer, building supply stores can be your best friend. From paint and tools to wood and foam board, there’s no limit to what you can build.
PRO TIP: Be sure to check and see if your preferred store has a scrap bin. Many building supply stores will give away broken, deformed, and slightly damaged products that are perfect for adding an extra touch of spookiness to your props.
5. Thrift Shops
Barrie has more thrift shops than you can count. You think you’ve been to them all and suddenly you’re learning about a store you’ve heard of.
These stores often carry unique and eclectic items that can be repurposed into fantastic Halloween decorations. From vintage clothing pieces that can serve as costume bases to old furniture and decor items that can be transformed into eerie props, thrift shops offer endless possibilities for creative Halloween enthusiasts on a budget.
6. Garage Sales And Online Marketplaces
Keep your eyes peeled year-round for garage sales and online marketplace ads for old decor, clothing, and props that can be rehomed and repurposed.
Even if it isn’t specifically for Halloween, items like china dolls, old brooms, and weathered books can be a great way to add a touch of eerieness to your space.
Come October, be extra alert for ads and free curbside pickups. As people rummage through their own supplies, they’re more likely to put out Halloween-specific items they no longer need.
7. Spirit Halloween
Spirit Halloween is a chain that sets up shop during the Halloween season. This store is a treasure trove of Halloween goodies, featuring a wide selection of costumes, props, and decorations.
What sets Spirit Halloween apart is its thematic sections, making it easy to find everything you need for specific themes like haunted houses, classic monsters, or popular movie characters.
The store's attention to detail and immersive displays make it a must-visit for Halloween enthusiasts.
8. Party City
Party City is a go-to destination for party supplies year-round but it shines even brighter during Halloween.
From elaborate costumes and accessories to an impressive array of decorations, Party City is a one-stop shop for all your Halloween needs. The store is known for its friendly staff and helpful customer service, ensuring that you find exactly what you're looking for to make your Halloween celebrations memorable.
9. The Party Store
The Party Store in Barrie is a treasure trove for Halloween enthusiasts.
No matter what time of year it is, you can always find a great selection of costumes. Whether you're looking for a classic vampire cape or a whimsical unicorn costume, The Party Store has an impressive variety to choose from.
Closer to the Halloween season, they start to expand their selection. Their collection of spooky decorations, including hanging ghosts and witch's cauldrons, adds the perfect finishing touches to your Halloween setup.
No matter your Halloween vision, Barrie businesses have you covered. Whether you prefer the elaborate and spooky or the simple and budget-friendly, these stores offer a diverse range of decorations and supplies to help you celebrate Halloween in style.
So, gear up, get creative, and transform your home into a haunted mansion with the help of these stores.
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