Halloween is creeping upon us, which means it’s prime time to channel your creativity into making a magical costume that is sure to shock fellow party-goers. Whether you’re after something ghoulish or gorgeous or both, there are a wide selection of fancy dress shops in and around Manchester ready to lend a hand this spooky season. Whether you’re in need of make-up, accessories or a full-blown costume, here’s a round-up of the most fantastic fancy dress shops in Greater Manchester.
1. Hidden Corner
Hidden Corner is your go-to for glamming up this Halloween and it’s one of the oldest fancy dress shops in Manchester, having been running for over 50 years. This costume shop located in the Arndale Centre below the food court can get notoriously busy come Halloween time, so if you can get your costume organised ASAP do it to avoid the long queues. From classic Halloween costumes like werewolves and witches to less spooky outfits like pirates or lifguards, Hidden Corner has it all.
📍Hidden Corner, Unit 29, Marsden Way South, Arndale Centre, M4 3AT.
2. Celebration
For those located in Chorlton or south Manchester, Celebration is one of top fancy dress shops to head to if you’re in need of an outfit sharpish. The whole store is dedicated to celebrating Halloween so you’re bound to find what you’re looking for as they offer costumes for both adults and children in a range of shapes, sizes, colours and themes to suit all budgets. They also have thousands of fancy dress accessories to enhance any costume, from swords to stockings and wigs to wings.
📍Celebration, 515 Barlow Moor Rd, Chorlton, M21 8AQ.
3. DUTY FREE
Also located in the Arndale alongside Hidden Corner, DUTY FREE offers very minimal effort when it comes to searching for a costume last minute. The shop has a selection that ranges from steampunk to gangster costumes, celebrity masks to creepy cosmetics. Whether you’re wanting to go head to toe fancy dress or just have your face covered, it’s worth having a look in one of the most convenient fancy dress shops in Manchester city centre.
📍DUTY FREE, Upper Mall, Arndale Centre, Manchester, M4 3AB.
4. American Graffitti
Afflecks should be your first thought all year round for any sort of fancy dress, but it couldn’t be more perfect for Halloween, plus the whole building comes alive at this time of year with a spooky transformation. Inside the Northern Quarter shopping emporium you’ll find two shops offering plenty of inspiration for the perfect costume. American Graffitti on the second floor offers fancy dress including wigs and accessories and staff that are happy to help.
📍American Graffitti, Afflecks, 52 Church St, M4 1PW.
5. Boogie Knights
Described as “a real fancy dress shop where you can see, try and buy your costumes, without worrying whether they’ll arrive in time for your party”, Boogie Knights is the place to go for those located north-west of the city. You can either visit their Walkden shop or their online store which has a host of costumes categorised by theme and decade. You can also find an assortment of wigs and accessories to choose from in order to complete your final look.
Boogie Knights, 36 Worsley Road North, Walkden, M28 3GW.
6. Oxfam Originals
Now, not everything may be suitable for a costume but you might be in luck and be able to create a rather unique costume. You may need to think outside the box but you’re bound to make something great from the range of clothes, shoes and accessories at Oxfam Originals in the Northern Quarter. Plus, it’s an affordable and more sustainable approach to a Halloween costume.
Oxfam Originals, Unit 8, Smithfield Buildings, 51 Oldham St, M1 1JR.