ABRACADABRA

A STORY for Introverts:

You knew it was coming. Autumn. Fall. Pumpkin Spice season. Halloween. Whatever you call it, it’s chilly and spooky. For me, Halloween starts in August. By now, you’d better have your orange lights strung and your laughing skeletons mounted because it’s all officially started. In preparation for all the upcoming gore and enchantment, I took myself out for a stroll through one of New York’s most fabulous costume shops. To some, this might sound unusual for a solo adventure, but for the creepy crowd it’s right up your alley.

One step through the door stopped me in my tracks. These guys have crafted one wicked scene at the entrance of Abracadabra, my new favorite costume shop. Gargoyles and pig people and one crazed Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle greeted me immediately and created a monstrous scene I couldn’t help but ogle. Bloody body parts hung from the ceiling by thick chains next to a bloated head in a jar, somehow both comical and grotesque. A lovely skull chandelier reminded me to fire my interior decorator and hire whoever crafted that magnificent light fixture. My favorite opening feature was the Zoltar machine, not-so-subtly teasing me to feed him in exchange for a dubious fortune.

After peeling myself away from that circus, I bumped into the electro-fairy costumes. You know the ones. They have a boa in every color of the rainbow, glittery wings, sexy purple wigs, and all the glowsticks your heart can handle. This isn’t the scariest corner of Abracadabra, but it’s perfect for club kids looking for their metallic disco one-piece.

From there, I followed the raunchy novelties (I loved the offbeat candles, like dill pickle and car exhaust) to the back, where I met every introvert’s dream: a pair of friendly shop cats (and for the witchy bunch, note they were both black cats). I know what you’re thinking: “We’re introverts, we have cats at home to enjoy. Why leave the house for other cats?” Right? Actually, that was a trap. Yes, we’ll absolutely leave the house for just the promise of meeting a cat. If Halloween does nothing for you, I promise meeting Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde will be worth the trip. I was happy to let these sweeties distract me for a while, reminding me of the softer side of spooky season.

Up the stairs and you’re swimming through every classic costume, from the super slutty to the infantile inflatables. I even snatched some really zazzy alien suspenders, for general wear. If you prefer the more authentic garments and don’t mind forking over some extra Benjamins to rent the most elaborate 18th-century ballgown ever, head downstairs instead. Head downstairs anyway, the gothic and demonic decorations alone are worth it. Bonus points: they’re rocking some classic outer space carpet that’s sure to remind you of every Skate City you visited in the 90s.

On the main floor, I found the macabre wall of masks and a dirty bathtub home to some large snakes. Naturally, they plopped the massive Harry Potter section in the corner right next to that. I’ll be honest, you can find Harry Potter gear anywhere (like the official Harry Potter store five minutes away). I breezed through there, despite craving yet another Hufflepuff scarf to show all the muggles how proud I am of my house. In my hurry to avoid overspending on unnecessary magical items, I may have missed the in-house magician. I couldn’t say for sure, so if you’re brave enough to linger in that corner, let me know what kind of real-life spells the store’s hiding over there.

Just-So-You-Know DETAILS:

It’s maybe a ten-minute walk from the Union Square train station, so this place is super easy to get to no matter where you’re coming from. Which means no excuses! Abracadabra was established in 1981 (that’s 41 years of business), and they’re open year-round. I’ve seen other great costume shops in other cities, but these guys have the leg up on them. When you sell costumes and props in one of the top cities in the world, where TV shows and movies are filmed daily, well, these guys get to supply some of the creepier pieces to those filmmakers. Can Kansas City brag about that?

The GIST – Should You Visit Abracadabra?

Obviously the spooky and scary side of this season can be disturbing for some people. I’m wild about Halloween, but it’s not for everyone. This probably isn’t where the more squeamish introverts want to spend their free time. However, for those who start the horror-themed movie marathons in September and have been donning all the orange and purple their wardrobes will allow, go visit Abracadabra. Maybe all you’ll take away is a shiver or two down your spine, or maybe you’ll find the best damn life-size Iron Man model you never knew that corner of your living room was missing.

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Originally published on September 25, 2022.

Find your next costume or skull chandelier at the Abracadabra site.

Check out Thrift Con for another kind of quirky decor.