Halloween is still more than a week away, but stores across British Columbia are seeing new trends this season.
Glacier Media contacted a variety of spooky spaces to find out what exactly people are buying for costumes this year.
One trend is clear as of Friday: lots of people want to be Barbie and Ken.
Vancouver Halloween Costume Shop staff say the most popular costume for them is Barbie; coming in second is killer doll M3gan. The third most popular outfit is Super Mario Bros., with classic scary movie characters like Freddy Krueger trailing behind.
“We have actually sold out of the blond wigs,” says a staff member. “Everyone wants to be Barbie and Ken this year.”
Nearby at Party City in North Vancouver, most people are buying Barbie and Ken costumes as well. Top Gun costumes are also a favourite.
Staff admit they are selling more children's costumes at this time and are expecting the adults to shop next weekend.
In Kelowna, Halloween Alley says while Barbie and Ken costumes are popular they are not beating out the classics. Most people are searching for Super Mario Bros., Spider-Man or Batman.
Value Village in Kamloops staff say "Barbie is a hot one this year." Witch and avatar costumes are also being seen at checkout.
Over in Prince George, Value Village staff say they too are seeing people putting together Barbie costumes and costume ideas from the ’50s and ‘60s, like the movie Grease.
On Vancouver Island, the Costume Loft at Langham Court rents out costumes and says they are not seeing anyone trying to be Barbie. Instead, they have lots of people asking for ‘60s costumes such as ‘hippies’ or even a ‘psychedelic frog.’
If you don't have a Halloween costume yet, there is still plenty of time to get creative.
