Well-known Mesa costume shop to close its doors for good

For nearly 40 years, a Mesa costume shop has outfitted all kinds of customers, but Tuesday will be the last Halloween for the family-run "Groovy Ghoulies Costumes", as it is closing its doors.

News of the closure came earlier in October.

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The closure of the shop comes, amidst a rise in online shopping, as well as the downfall of nearby Fiesta Mall. The owners, along with and many customers, are wearing their hearts on their sleeves, and shedding tears of sadness.

Groovy Goulies has been a go-to shop for Mesa area residents for a long time, offering a wide array of quality costumes and hometown customer service.

"We've been to three stores to find her a witch hat, and this was the only one who had it," said customer Katrina Aycuck.

"They literally have everything I'm always looking for," said longtime customer Stephanie Westbrook. "I came into this store for two random things, a referee t-shirt and a whistle, and they have it."

Since they were open year-round, it has served customers in need of outlandish outfits, for a variety of events.

"I came here for Comicon, I got a big afro because I dressed up as Bob Ross," said longtime customer Raven Desacia, referring to a late painter.

The Gabers opened up the specialty shop almost four decades ago. The shop's main draw has evolved over time, from balloons, to gifts, to beanie babies, to costumes. At its height 10 years ago, Halloween saw long lines and the throngs of customers.

Now, the surrounding area is a graveyard of shuttered businesses, and people buy costumes online. For the owners, the decision to close was a heartbreaking one.

"It's been, like, a four-year decline," said owner Denise Horn. "Took me a year to fully decide. We finally had to say this is going to be it. Let's go out on a high note."

Starting Wednesday, everything inside will go on sale. The owners hope to sell off all their items, by the end of the year.