Shop Halloween stores for costumes, accessories

They've started creeping up everywhere.

And they'll be around through Halloween.

So if you're ready to get a head start on your costume and decorations this year, or if you're waiting until the last minute, there are many new temporary Halloween stores opening along the Randall Road corridor this month.

Halloween City has a spot at 1812 S. Randall in Algonquin, and at 165 N. Randall in Batavia.

Halloween Express is now open at 608 Randall Road in South Elgin.

And Spirit Halloween has spots at 820 S. Randall in Algonquin, 623 S. Randall in Elgin and 1980 W. Fabyan Parkway in Batavia.

The stores have most any costume you can dream up, or at least the accessories to help you build it.

They have the cutesy costumes for the little ones, and even the grown-ups.

They also have the all-out gore-filled scary costumes that make the kids just a little bit afraid to come trick-or-treat at your house.

They even have costumes that let you dress as your favorite famous person - whether it is President Obama or Lady Gaga.

So far, employees say, not one costume is standing out above another in popularity.

The early customers, they say, are getting a feel for what's out there first.

"I'm not really sure what I want to be," said Melissa Graves of Elgin, who was shopping at the Halloween Express store in South Elgin this week.

"I kind of just wanted to get some ideas. There are so many ideas though. I'm having trouble choosing.

"I was thinking maybe I'll just be a witch again this year. They have some fun witch ones," she said.

In addition to costumes, many of the stores have decorations galore. Some even have their own mini-haunted houses, with gory bodies and opening coffins scattered throughout.

They also have some more tame items, including plastic pumpkins and spider webs.

All of the stores are scheduled to stay open until at least Halloween.

Educator appreciation: Borders Books is showing educators a little appreciation.

From Oct. 6 to 10, most Borders Books, including the ones along Randall Road in Algonquin and Geneva, are hosting Educator Appreciation Week.

With proof of status, current and retired educators can save on purchases for both personal and classroom use.

At the Algonquin store, they will get 25 percent off the list price of most items in their purchase.

There also will be a special reception for educators at the Algonquin Commons store from 2 to 6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 9.

• Amy Williams' column covers all the news of business along the Randall Road corridor from Batavia to Crystal Lake. Contact her at randallbiz@comcast.net or (847) 894-5036.