Halloween is only a few days away, but there is still time to pull together a last-minute costume. Employees of Spirit Halloween in Burlington have been enjoying the festive chaos as people come in scrambling to find final pieces to their costumes. 

Courtney Dempsey, sales manager at Spirit Halloween, says mornings in the store are typically quiet. Those looking for a low-stress shopping trip are recommended to get there before the wave of afternoon customers hits.

“The second 3:30 p.m. hits on the weekdays and kids are out of school, it’s like the floodgates open," Dempsey said. 

Asher Weinstein, marketing manager at Costume Super Center, explained how costume manufacturers predict costume trends before the Halloween season hits. 

“We look at what movies are doing well, what movies are being promoted,” Weinstein said.

Weinstein said he knew clown costumes would be a hit this year after the movie "It" saw major success in the box office and major popularity with audiences across the nation.

“The studios tell the manufacturers these costumes are going to be big,” Weinstein said. “And those manufacturers relay that information to us.” 

Weinstein said Wonder Woman was the “obvious one” in costume popularity, but "Game of Thrones" character Jon Snow has also made an appearance in the top costume category. 

Dempsey had her own thoughts about what costumes to expect, suggesting that Suicide Squad’s Harley Quinn, and superheroes are always a fan-favorite staple of the holiday. 

Other pop culture references, including characters from Stranger Things and even a selection of emojis, have also seen a spike in popularity as people prepare for trick-or-treat festivities. 

Dempsey has also noticed college students lean away from “bagged costumes” in lieu of do-it-yourself style costumes which you can create yourself by combining different pieces to design a unique look come Halloween night. 

She suggests the DIY style of finding a costume because bagged costumes come with the risk of running into someone else wearing the exact same costume. 

Spirit Halloween is open 9 a.m. - 10 p.m. during the week, and 9 a.m. - 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

Costume Super Center takes orders online and offers next day delivery until Oct. 30.