SCRANTON, LACKAWANNA CO. (WOLF) — With Halloween just five days away, last-minute shoppers are on the hunt for the perfect costume, and one longtime Scranton business is helping bring their spooky visions to life.
For 100 years, Taney’s Costume Shop has been a staple in the community, offering everything from eerie masks and unique accessories to one-of-a-kind costumes for those looking to stand out this Halloween.
Taking over ownership in February, Ashley Nole said she’s excited to carry on the shop’s legacy. Beyond the Halloween rush, she said business has been strong, with customers coming in for costume rentals and custom balloon orders.
“We’ve had wonderful feedback that people are very excited that we were able to keep it open. It is a historical place in our community. Everyone’s been very happy that we were able to stay,” said Nole.
“Previously we’ve had a bunch more balloon orders, which has been very great for us. And with our rental side, we’ve been able to help a lot of schools and the community, with local theater as well to rent out our rentals for them,” said Nole.
For those creating a costume from scratch, Paige Balitski said Taney’s offers a personalized experience, helping customers bring their vision to life, even if it starts with just one piece.
“We ask them what they’re looking for. Sometimes they have a vision. Sometimes they’re just desperate. So, it’s your job to guide them. So, you go up and down the aisles and you say, well, this is what we have here and this is what we have. And we slowly take pieces and they try them on and soon it dawns on them. And then they go ‘Oh, I would like to be this, because I like this hat. What goes with this hat?’ And then you build the costume,” said Balitski.
“That’s the joy of having a business like this. We can mix and match whatever you want. You can’t do that at the big box stores. But you can do that here at Taney’s,” said Balitski.
Balitski also shared which costumes and accessories are stealing the spotlight this Halloween.
“Hooded figures and masks that you can see through, but you can’t see their face. Rentals are different. We’re seeing a lot of colonial celebrating America’s 250th birthday. More elegance in their choices of what they’re renting. The women coming in are going with the full skirts and the hoop slips. And the gentleman with the jackets and the top hats. So very elegant this year,” said Balitski.
Customer Matt Taylor stopped in to support the shop and left with the makings of a vampire hunter costume, inspired by pieces he found along the way.
“This selection here is huge. And you’re able to just try everything on. Sort of piece together what you’re trying to go for,” said Taylor.
“I just sort of decided to go with a vampire hunter. I found a bunch of wooden stakes and holy water. So, I was like, alright, get an old coat and an old shirt and just put all together and see how it turns out,” said Taylor.
Taney’s Costume Shop remains a Halloween tradition for many local families, with Balitski saying they often see generations of customers walk through their doors.
“We have kids coming and saying they came here with their grandparents. So that’s the legacy that Taney’s has,” said Balitski.
Taney’s has extended hours for Halloween, with appointments available outside regular business hours. For more information on Taney’s hours, click here.