Where do you shop in Connecticut for a Halloween costume?
A survey by Montana Capital asked 3,011 shoppers about the best costume stores. Three from the Nutmeg state were highlighted.
Goodspeed Musicals Costume Center in East Haddam took the top spot in Connecticut, according to Montana Capital: “Tucked inside the creative world of Goodspeed Musicals, this costume center is a dream for anyone who loves theater or design. Racks of beautifully crafted pieces line the space, with outfits ranging from vintage elegance to playful character wear. Many local theater groups rely on its quality and organization, but even casual visitors can’t help feeling like they’ve wandered backstage before showtime. It’s a quiet treasure for Connecticut’s creative community.”
In second place was Sophia’s Gallery out of Cos Cob, according Montana Capital, who said the retailer “brings an elegant twist to the costume experience. The boutique mixes glamour with imagination, offering a curated selection of finely detailed pieces that turn any event into an occasion. Regulars praise the personal service and eye for style — every detail, from accessories to fit, gets attention. It’s the kind of place where putting a costume together feels less like shopping and more like styling a character.”
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Rounding out the top three is CT Stage in Plainville, according to Montana Capital, which “blends small-town friendliness with a creative edge. Its collection of costumes and accessories suits everything from school plays to community festivals, and the staff’s passion for performance makes each visit feel collaborative. Come autumn, the shop becomes a hive of excitement as families and theater fans hunt for standout looks. It’s one of those local spots that keeps Connecticut’s love of storytelling alive — one costume at a time.”
Curious what every state’s top costume shop is? Check out Montana Capital’s full interactive map here.
“Halloween should be fun, not financially frightening,” said Shir Amram, COO at Montana Capital. “Our survey shows that people still love the excitement of the season – they are just finding smarter ways to enjoy it. Whether that means recycling costumes, shopping secondhand, or skipping a few extras, there’s no reason you can’t keep the spirit alive on a budget.”
Check out these other takeaways from Montana Capital below:
- It turns out, most people are keeping their spending in check the old-fashioned way:
- 65% are using cash or debit only.
- 27% are putting it on a credit card.
- 5% are borrowing from friends or family.
- 3% are using personal loans or “buy now, pay later” plans.
- More than half of respondents (52%) said they will be cutting back this year, while 43% are spending roughly the same. A small but determined 6% said they will actually spend more, treating Halloween as a make-up celebration for previous years of restraint.
- When asked which Halloween traditions would go first if money got tight, respondents were surprisingly divided. Decorations topped the list at 30%, followed by party expenses (28%), while candy and costumes tied at 21% each.
- For most people, Halloween is still considered a worthy indulgence. Seven in ten described it as “a small but worth-it treat,” while 30% admitted the costs “add stress they can’t really afford.”
- Nearly one in seven (14%) said they’ve borrowed money just to host or attend a Halloween party, while a thrifty 51% have worn the same costume two years in a row to save cash.