Grand Rapids, Michigan-based Meijer is adding accessible, adaptive children’s costumes to its selection of Halloween costumes.
“We aim for our stores to be a welcoming and supportive environment where every customer sees themselves reflected in our team and their needs are met in our products,” said Ryan Yarnell, seasonal décor buyer for Meijer.
“So, when our customers explained how the addition of adaptive costumes would help families get more joy out of Halloween, we listened. It was a natural next step for us.”
Available at Meijer stores across the Midwest, the adaptive costumes come in assorted sizes and include an astronaut, mermaid, skeleton and witch.
Each costume is designed to be accessible, featuring magnets, Velcro and pull tabs rather than zippers and snaps, as well as inner linings, secret pockets and hook-and-loop openings for children with arm and leg braces. Made from softer fabrics and flat seams to reduce tactile sensitivities, they also offer a more comfortable fit, even with other clothing worn underneath.
“Halloween is a time of fun and limitless imagination, so we want to ensure that children feel free to express themselves through their costumes,” said Tim Williams, VP of diversity and inclusion at Meijer. “We’re excited to take these steps to enhance the level of inclusion and comfort our customers feel when shopping our stores this Halloween season.”
The adaptive costumes are among more than 100 costume options at Meijer. Prices range from $14.99-$44.99 and include the latest on-trend and popular styles by age groups:
- Infants: One-piece monster, dinosaur or tiger jumpsuits are not only cute, but practical in helping keep infants warm. These choices can be layered with clothes underneath, so the costumes become the warm, outer layer.
- Toddler/young child: Licensed costumes are still a favorite of this age range. Some of the top licensed choices include Bluey and Miles Morales, as well as classics like Paw Patrol, Frozen, Minecraft and Spiderman.
- Pre-teen: The trend is shifting to action and adventure, as well as spooky costumes. Enchanted ghosts and zombies, ninjas, witches and skeletons are favorites. Superhero costumes also remain a popular option.
- Early teens: Speaking to the ongoing trend of specific self-expression among teens, costume trends run the gambit from leopard jumpsuits or a cute witch to a scary clown or grim reaper. Licensed options, including Harry Potter and superheroes, are still popular.
- Adults: Accessories will get the most attention from adults as they tend to choose easy, pull-over styles to add to their wardrobe or other add-ons. Ponchos and capes are the best examples. Additionally, the popularity of masks and wigs peaks with adults because it is an easy way to enhance an existing look. Couples’ costumes are always relevant; fun options for partnering up this year include chip and salsa, peanut butter and jelly and matching 80’s track suits.
For additional information on Meijer, visit meijer.com.
For more Meijer news from The Shelby Report, click here.
