FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Just like any other business in the world, we too have our own list of Frequently Asked Questions. The answers to all yours (and many others) burning questions can be found below:
Q: Is what I see on your website in stock?
A: Yes! Everything that you see on our website is in stock and available for purchase on our online store, OR in our Brick and Mortar. The inventory is one-in-the-same, and our warehouse is right here in the basement section of our store! So rest assured, that if you see it online, we have it. If you need to know how MANY of a specific item we have. Please feel free to Contact Us.
Q: Are you open?
A: Yes! Unlike other pop-ups like Spirit that are only here to capitalize on Halloween, then disappear for the rest of the year... We are here ALL YEAR LONG! There's always something going on wherever you are, and for the Fun, you can trust The Costume Shoppe.
Q: What are your hours?
A: Our hours fluctuate throughout the year, however we try our best to keep our hours updated on our Calgary Store page as frequently as possible. For the most accurate Hours of Operation, please look at our Google Maps listing which will have our most recent hours and is also updated the most frequently.
Q: What's your Return Policy?
A: Our Customer Care Policy can be viewed here, and outlines how we handle operations like Returns or Exchanges.
Q: Can you just order it in for me?
A: Ideally, we would love to do this for our customers for all of the items that we carry, however, due to the nature of the costuming industry, there are a good amount of times that this simply isn't feasible. There are some vendors and manufacturers that we order from or work with that we can do this, but it's entirely dependant on what the item is, and moreso, if it's available. We will try our best to accommodate, and you're always welcome to get ahold of us with any questions.
Q: Do you sell costumes or only rent?
A: We do both! The Costume Shoppe carries over 2,200 packaged costumes available for purchase, plus over 8,000 accessories. On top of that we have an incredible rental collection featuring one-of-a-kind and classic character looks — including authentic outfits worn in the 1988 Calgary Olympics opening ceremonies. Whether you want to own it or just wear it for the night, we've got you covered.
Q: Do you rent costumes or only sell?
A. We do both! In addition to our rental collection featuring one-of-a-kind and classic character looks — including authentic outfits worn in the 1988 Calgary Olympics opening ceremonies — we carry over 2,200 packaged costumes for purchase and over 8,000 accessories. Whether you want to own it or just wear it for the night, we've got you covered.
Q: Where are you located exactly?
A. We're right on the southwest corner of Blackfoot Trail SE and 42nd Avenue — in the Big Blue Building you can't miss. Directly east across from us is the Shell gas station, and directly north is Coco Brooks Pizza. Come find us at 4307 Blackfoot Trail SE, Calgary.
Q: Do you have same-day delivery?
A: Yes! We offer two delivery options depending on where you are:
For local Calgary same-day delivery — place your order before 12:00 PM (noon) Mountain Time and we'll get it to you the same day for just $10.
For UPS and Canada Post shipments including PO Boxes — place your order before 2:00 PM Mountain Time and we'll ship it the same day.
We work hard to get your order out as quickly as possible. Need a hand? We actually answer our phones and emails all year round — just reach out and we'll help you out.
Q: What's the difference between buying and renting?
A: Great question! When you buy, you're choosing from our curated selection of mid-range to higher-end packaged costumes and accessories — we intentionally avoid the lowest-end options because quality matters to us. Some licensed character looks only come in one style, so what's available is what's available.
Renting from us is a completely different experience. Our rental collection is hand-curated from our own designs, costumes purchased from films shot here in Calgary, reworked patterns, and donations from costume enthusiasts who couldn't bear to see their creations go to waste — including outfits worn in the 1988 Calgary Olympics. These are real garments. They get dry-cleaned and washed between rentals, seams are reinforced, and closures are built to last.
Rental costumes are unique, recognizable, and often more elevated than what you'd find packaged off a shelf — but they do come at a higher cost in most cases, and they need to be returned within the rental week so we can get them cleaned and ready for the next person's big night.
Q: Do you carry plus sizes?
A: Yes! We do our best to carry plus sizes across our inventory. Most of our suppliers offer plus sizing starting at 1X or 2X, while others go up to 3X — and sizing can vary quite a bit from brand to brand and costume to costume. Our owner is actively working to expand our plus-size selection and is always on the lookout for great options that fit well and look amazing.
On our website you'll find a size filter to help narrow down what we have in stock. And since our site only shows what's physically in the store, the selection updates daily — especially through October when new stock is arriving constantly.
Q: Can I try costumes on in store?
A: Absolutely — that's what our dedicated change rooms are for! A team member will help guide you to the right fit. You're welcome to try on the main body of the costume, while accessories that come with it — like wigs, masks, or any piece not attached to the main garment — stay in the bag.
Why? Two reasons: first, you don't want to try on a mask that someone else wore, especially during cold season. Second, when you get home you'll have all the pieces exactly as they came — clean, complete, and ready to go.
Q: Do you ship outside Calgary?
· A: Yes! As a general rule of thumb, we can get most items to most places within 1 to 7 business days. If you'd like a more accurate shipping estimate for your specific location, just reach out — we're happy to quote it for you. We ship Canada-wide and answer our phones and emails all year round.
Q: Are you open year-round or just at Halloween?
A: 100% open all year — because having fun isn't a once-a-year thing. Life is short and memories happen all year long. From Expos and New Year's to Easter and Christmas, charity events to corporate events, birthday parties to anniversaries — we're here whenever you need us. The Costume Shoppe on Blackfoot Trail SE is Calgary's year-round costume destination, not a pop-up.
Q: How do I know if something will fit?
A: In store, we always encourage you to try costumes on — every vendor sizes differently, and even within the same brand, fit can vary from costume to costume. Some have stretch in the waistline, others have none at all. Our team is here to help you figure it out before you leave.
Shopping online? We do our best to provide accurate measurements for each costume on the product page. As a general rule, costumes tend to run a little small and have some stretch — but not always. If you're unsure, give us a call and we'll take a look at the costume with you. We also do size exchanges year-round, so you're never stuck.
Q: Is there parking at The Costume Shoppe?
· A: Yes! We have parking all around the Big Blue Building. After 5:00 PM, overflow parking becomes available in the neighbouring parking lots surrounding our building as well. Whether you're popping in for 10 minutes or spending an hour trying on looks, you'll find a spot. We're at 4307 Blackfoot Trail SE — see you soon!
Q: How do I get to The Costume Shoppe by public transit?
A: Easy! Take the Red Line CTrain to 39 Avenue Station. From there, catch Route 147 (Ogden/42 Avenue) which comes up toward 42nd Ave SE and the industrial area near us. If you prefer to walk from 39 Avenue Station, it's approximately 1.2 kilometres — about a 15 to 16 minute walk — to our front door at 4307 Blackfoot Trail SE. We're in the Big Blue Building on the southwest corner of Blackfoot Trail and 42nd Avenue. You can't miss us!
You can even plan your route using The City of Calgary's Route Schedule app here!