Visit Ribticklers and look spook-tacular this Halloween!

Fashionistas may be gushing over this season's trend for warm autumn reds and browns, but in truth the must-have piece for anyone's wardrobe right now is a skeleton tutu, just ask Angi Hurst.

Angi is the manager of Ribticklers party supplies shop on Market Strand, and for she and her staff the weekend before Halloween is one of the busiest of the year as partygoers make those all-important last minute decisions about their costumes.

"Two years ago it was all about inflatable pumpkins," says Angi from behind a counter packed with tubs of brightly-coloured face paint and fake blood. "This year it's skeleton tutus and zombies – I think that's probably because of World War Z being here in the summer."

A shop serious enough to have its own moustache section needs to keep abreast of the latest trends in the fancy dress world, and for Angi and Ribticklers owner Kevin, that means attending an annual spring fair where they can meet suppliers and get an idea of what's hot and what's not for the coming year.

And a quick browse around a packed shop – even on a drizzly Thursday morning - highlights just how much effort goes into making sure customers of all ages have plenty of choice, with everything from crazed machete-wielding clowns to Alice in Wonderland costumes available to buy.

But after 8 years in the business, Angi knows it's not only what's on the shelves that brings people back whenever they need that special something to wear to the office party (or simply experience the overwhelming urge to dress like Jason Vorhees).

"We try and keep our prices reasonable," she explains, "because it's all about repeat trade. So for example we have deals with local businesses too, and we get their staff coming in to pick something out for parties. This year we're also doing fireworks for the first time."

So with Halloween almost upon us, what's next for Ribticklers once the ghosts and ghouls, witches and wizards have slunk back into the shadows for another year?

"Christmas," answers Angi without hesitation, "We've got four staff working this weekend, and it tends to be busy now until the end of the year."

And what will the costume of choice be for the discerning partygoer this festive season? Angi looks momentarily serious. Like all dedicated followers of fashion she's already looking one season ahead, finger firmly on the pulse.

"Penguins," she says with a knowing look.

You heard it here first.

Ribticklers is open Mon-Sat 9:00-17:30 at 8 Market Strand, Falmouth, TR11 3DB

 Call 01326 211713 or email enquiries to:

Sales Inquiries - sales@ribticklers.co.uk

Balloon Inquiries - balloons@ribticklers.co.uk

General Inquiries - info@ribticklers.co.uk

Wholesale Inquiries - wholesale@ribticklers.co.uk