Now in its fourth year, Costume Closeouts II expanded to provide a full-service Purim facility. Located in the Styertowne Shopping Center in Clifton, Costume Closeouts II not only offers costumes to fit all budgets, but also offers accessories, makeup, shtick and mishloach manot bags. It’s a one-stop-shop destination for the whole family, with costumes ranging in price from $4-$25, even for adults. “Often, families like to dress up in costumes that fit a certain theme and tie it into their mishloach manos theme,” owner Basya Muehlgay explained. “In keeping the budget reasonable, this allows families to find a variety of costumes for everyone to wear together.” She carries some licensed character costumes, but also many generic costumes, such as condiments, board games, western themed, pirates and others. Muehlgay said people often come in before Purim to stock up on dress-up apparel for the whole year, since her costumes are good quality but very affordable. For questions or hours, call (973)365-2677 or email [email protected]. For the first time this year, Muehlgay is stocking mascot costumes and tuxedos. These are the only items that exceed the $25 price range, but also help customers expand their options.
With the Disney franchise owning more than just Mickey, Pixar and Princesses these days, the Disney store offers costume shoppers a wider selection than in previous years. That’s right, Marvel and Star Wars fans, head to a Disney store for Purim this year. A Jedi princess is practically a Disney princess now. Disney Store costumes tend to run pricier, but often have a realistic feel to them that adds to the magic of the dress-up experience. With many brick-and-mortar Disney Stores closed down, www.disneystore.com carries a wide selection of costumes and accessories, but for those who prefer an actual store, the Bergen Town Center has one, as does the Willowbrook Mall (also open on Sundays!).
No stranger to making life a little bit more convenient for everyone, online retailer Amazon.com has more costumes and accessories than most people can imagine. Many of them even qualify for their Prime service, but, as always, buyers beware—some items are “add-ons” that require a minimum purchase, and others are not guaranteed Prime two-day delivery.
If this is really just a one-time wear with no dress-up in its future, locals may want to consider the New Jersey Costume Gemach. Now in its third year, the costume gemach was started by Rivki Rosenthal and Sarah Savetsky in memory of Farvish Hirsch ben Shmuel Lev. They buy costumes that they find on clearance, and accept donations of costume hand-me-downs. “We have gotten really nice costumes donated as people clean out their closets,” said Savetsky. The gemach has close to 200 costumes for boys and girls, as well as babies. The price is very affordable, too. All they ask is for a $10 deposit for costumes when borrowed, though many people choose to let the gmach keep $5 (or more) when returning them, to help offset the cost of future costume inventory. The costume gemach will be at Keter Torah on Sunday, March 13 from 10-12.
As with most years, superheros are still expected to be a favorite, and with the hugely successful Star Wars movie, plenty of Jedis to go around as well. With the made-for-television remake of Grease, stores are selling Pink Ladies and T-Birds costumes too this year. Angry Birds costumes were popular a few years ago, and though they decreased in the past Purim or two, with a movie on the horizon expect to see a rainbow of flying birds through the neighborhood on Purim.
By Jenny Gans
