Halloween Adventure

New movie releases, pop culture and the classics will dominate this year's Halloween costume trends.

Expect to see more of Alice, the Mad Hatter and the Queen of Hearts from the summer blockbuster "Alice in Wonderland." Also look for pop icon-inspired clothing items like Michael Jackson-inspired military jackets and Madonna-inspired pointed bustiers.

The costume business

"Our business is cyclical, stimulated by the movie industry, popular eras and the current political climate," said Ryan Goldman, district manager of Halloween Adventure and in costume as Captain America.

Although an Agoura Hills couple owns the 15-store Southern California chain, it is the first time that the chain will have a store in the area. Based in Canoga Park, the chain has two stores that are open year-round—the Canoga Park and Sherman Oaks stores, carrying other non-Halloween costumes, from Easter bunnies to leprechauns.

Witches, werewolves and wigs

Goldman starts looking for suitable commercial spaces with 60-day leases as early as January of every year. He lucked out and found this 6,000 square foot space along Derry Avenue large enough to accommodate wide aisles of costumes, décor and accessories.

"No other store in the county has this much variety," said Lindsey Daniel, store manager, who was dressed up as Alice. Thousands of costumes are neatly arranged and grouped in easy-to-find categories, from storybook to super heroes.

A vast assortment of sizes from toddlers to plus to extra tall is also offered. "We recommend that they try them on before buying as the sizing can be tricky with costumes," advised Daniel.

Looking for Bella, Edward and Jacob? Find the popular "Twilight" saga movie character costumes in the witches aisle. If you are undecided about which princess your toddler daughter wants to be this year, head to the Disney section to compare choices.

With the recent demise of Michael Jackson, Goldman predicts a surge in sales of the pop icon's costumes. Jackson's costume set, as well as mix and match accessories, can be found in the eras' aisle.

Politics, just like classics, will never go out of style. Masks featuring the likes of Arnold Schwarzenegger, Condoleezza Rice, Abraham Lincoln, are quite popular among the picky tween crowd.

Most costumes are in the $14.99 to $24.99 price range, including scrub uniforms, firefighter costumes, monks' habits and some Snow White versions. Fueled by the recent release of the movie, the adult Alice costume is the most expensive item in stock at $109.00.

Business starts to pick up at the start of October. Daniel expects the usual mix of early bird patrons who desire the widest selection of costumes possible to the "procrastinators" who will be among the hundreds in line on Oct. 31.

"The prices will be the same all the way until Halloween," Goldman said. However, the week leading up to Halloween, the store will be open longer hours and the staffing par will increase from 12 employees to about 25.

For those wanting to avoid the crowds or looking for deals, the website is open for year-round shopping. The post-Halloween blowout sale at the store from November 1 to 5 is also unbeatable with deep discounts.

No dark and gloomy outlook

Goldman is optimistic that business will be brisker this year, compared to last year's. "I'm hoping that sales will be up 10 percent as people put their troubles away for one of the biggest holidays of the year," he said. 

With Halloween falling on a Sunday this year, Goldman also predicts that more adults may be buying costumes for themselves or as part of an ensemble, for the extended opportunity to dress up and party.

The economic situation will not be a showstopper. "The recession is temporary," Daniel said, "but Halloween is permanent."