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How To Score A Cheap Halloween Costume

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) – Time's running out to figure out a Halloween costume and some of that stuff can be expensive.

That's why KDKA's Susan Koeppen set out to find some great deals on Halloween costumes -- and boy did she ever.

The most popular adult costumes this year are witches and vampires. For children, it's princesses and Batman.

Costumes can be pricey, no doubt about it.

But Halloween is all about being creative and we are about to show you how you can cut your costume bill in half or even more.

From witches to zombies, pumpkins to princesses, there are plenty of costumes to choose from.

And with 70 percent of Americans celebrating Halloween, 2012 will go down as a record year for the spooky holiday.

The average person will spend $29 on their costume this year and if the thought of spending a lot of money to dress up sounds too scary, instead of retail, consider resale.

"You're saving a ton of money," said Katie Hart with Goodwill Industries.

Goodwill shoppers can find kids costumes from $5 to $15 and adult costumes from $15 to $30.

"I think the cool thing about Goodwill is we have so many items it's like a treasure hunt and you can really show your creative side and at Halloween," Hart said. "There is no better time to do it."

KDKA's Susan Koeppen decided to see what kind of bargains she could find at the Goodwill store on the South Side, where some of the costumes are brand new, still in the bag.

One "queen of hearts" dress costs $77 retail.

But check out resale, at Goodwill the same looking costume was just $10.

A $20 Batman costume at retail is only $12 at Goodwill.

Find it resale, for half that price.

"One of our staff members put these outfits together yesterday and just this morning," Hart said. "All of these items were found in the store."

Creating a costume can save a bundle.

A pirate costume that costs $30 online was found at Goodwill for just $20. Same thing for a gangster costume that was $38 online – only $20 at Goodwill and a $125 gypsy costume.

"You have the opportunity to make something," Hart said. "Make it your own and stay within a budget."

For more information on Goodwill's Halloween Costume Photo Contest, visit their Facebook page at this link!

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