Meijer sells adaptable, accessible Halloween costumes

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) – Parents now have more choices when purchasing a Halloween costume when they have a child with a disability. For the first time, Meijer stores introduce customizable Halloween costumes.

“This is a huge step for the disability community,” said Carrie Prater, co-lead of the Meijer Disability, Advocacy and Awareness Team.

Prater is also a mother and knows the challenges that can arise when your child has a disability, which is why she is a strong advocate for inclusion.

“When my son was younger, he’s 14, he still needs costumes to this day, but especially when he was younger we had trouble finding costumes for him,” she recalls.

Prater said she often relied on pajamas or special orders to find something that would meet her son’s needs. Now she has more options.

“This is the next step in Meijer’s diversity and inclusion efforts,” said Melissa Cerza, Buyer for Meijer Halloween. “We want kids to be able to come into Meijer stores and see exactly what they want to dress up their imaginations as and it’s exciting that this opens the door for more people.”

The customizable costumes are designed to be accessible, with magnets, velcro and pull tabs instead of zips and snaps, inner lining, secret pockets and velcro closures for kids with bracers or greaves. They’re also made with softer fabrics and flatlock seams to reduce sensitivities and provide a more comfortable fit, even when other clothing is worn underneath.

Costume choices include an astronaut, mermaid, skeleton and witch. They are available at Meijer stores throughout the Midwest for the same prices as traditional costumes.