The historic Broadway store will make its final sales in the coming months, but not because of economic pressures.
SAN ANTONIO — A pair of popular San Antonio stores that see plenty of foot traffic during the Halloween season are preparing to close their doors, but for different reasons.
Hocus Pocus, located off McCullough just south of Loop 410, said this spooky season will be its last. In a Facebook post, the veteran-owned business said the combination of tariffs, an “unpredictable economic climate” and the “overwhelming presence” of big-box Halloween stores became too much to withstand.
“We’ve fought hard to keep the magic alive, but ultimately, the current realities have become too difficult to overcome,” the store’s owners wrote, while thanking the community for its support over the last 12 years. “Come visit us one last time, share your favorite Hocus Pocus memories, find that last perfect costume, and help us celebrate the incredible journey we’ve shared.”
The store is located at 8507 McCullough, Suite D-5 for anyone still looking for that last touch to their “Life of a Showgirl,” “K-Pop Demon Hunters” or Victor Wembanyama getup.
A few miles south, at 111 Allensworth St., the family-owned Gibson Costume Shop is also serving its final customers after 97 years of business, having spent the last century fulfilling San Antonians’ costuming ambitions with all kinds of glitzy, spooky and regal wear.
General Manager Sandra Torres said that while Gibson Costume Shop has seen a slight downturn in business – largely at the hands of online retailers like Amazon – that isn’t the reason it plans to close by the end of 2025.
For its owners, after nearly 100 years, it’s simply time.
“We’re ending on a high note,” Torres said. “It’s already in its fifth generation. And they’re just like, ‘OK, we have to close it at some point. It can’t run forever.’ They just decided they wanted to close while the business is still doing well.”
PHOTOS: Gibson Costume Shop to close after 97 years, sell off massive inventory
Liquidation of the store’s vast inventory will begin in January for those who’ve always wanted to buy some oof its costumes – some of which are as old as the shop itself – that were only ever available to rent. Accessories like frock coats, derby hats, straw katies and more will be available, as well as vintage military gear, ballgowns, wigs and masks for just about every iconic Hollywood boogeyman you can think of.
“We want to give back to the community, allow the community to buy costumes they’ve always wanted to buy but weren’t able to because they were rentals,” Torres said. “Now they can own a piece of Gibson.”