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Malabar
Category: Shopping Arts & Crafts Costumes Costumes [Edit]
14 McCaul StToronto, ON M5T 1V6
Neighbourhood: Downtown Core
(416) 598-2581
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 10 am - 6 pm
Sat 10 am - 5 pm
- Price Range:
-
$$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- No
9 reviews for Malabar
9 reviews in English
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Review from Vivek S.
11/21/2011 4 Check-ins Here
Malabar has what you need to succeed in the world of costumes and disguise. Whether you are going all out or need to slap something together in a hurry, they got you covered.
Malabar is easily divided. They have a section for cheaper throwaway costumes and party accessories, another section for legit costume rentals (high quality but expensive) and a third zone for dance costumes (think eight-year-old girls in sequins and eye-makeup and jazz hands). I can't really comment on the latter, so if you're into dance read Denise S's notes on this section.
The costumes and party supplies section is well stocked. You can get hats, wigs, fake moustaches, and tonnes of accessories like swords or guns or wands. You can pick up a ready-to-go costume or piece something together pretty easily. The rentals department however, is where Malabar truly shines. The costumes are sorted by style, decade and theme, and I'd be shocked if you couldn't find what you needed here. Want to dress like a 17th century dandy? No problem? Need a costume for an astronaut? Sure. Want to dress like a carrot? They can do that. They have a very impressive catalogue of costumes; it's no wonder that film and theatre productions often rent from them.
Oh, and be warned: this place is a madhouse during the month (yes, the whole month) of October. Wise owls should plan their elaborate Hallowe'en costumes in advance.
Obligatory Title Pun: Raising the MALABAR on Toronto's costume scene.
Menu Readability: (cackles)
Need to mention: A lot of items are final sale.
What this place teaches me about myself: According to the Yelp mobile app I am a "regular" at Malabar, and yes, I admit this is a little creepy. -
Review from Dishan W.
11/3/2011
I am not sure how I feel about Malabar it's an amazing store to just walk around but so painful to look at price tags. They have an amazing selection of costumes both that are not cheap and also expensive. So be prepared to dish out some solid dough on your costumes.
I know there are a lot of other cheaper options (even on Queen St) but so far Malabar has been the best in terms of costume selection that I've come across and that's always been extra valuable for me as 80% of my Halloween shopping has been on Halloween day.
It's unfortunate that almost everything is pricey, the full on costumes are sort of the same price-wise across the board in other stores, but even the smaller items which you can find in the Dollarstore are around $15 here but are far more durable.
It's 4 stars because the premium prices you pay here are worth it in my head for the high quality of products you receive. But then again Halloween costume hunting as a whole just seems like a waste of money for me unless you plan on wearing it multiple times (in more than one year too).Listed in: My November 30
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Review from Stephanie C.
Toronto, ON
11/3/2011 1 Check-in Here
After hearing about it for years, I really expected more from Malabar upon my first visit.
Granted, I found what I was looking: a Viking helmet. But I was looking for other accessories to go with it, which I couldn't find. Lucky for me, I found what I was looking for elsewhere, for half of the price; unlucky for Malabar because I thought they would carry more stock.
However, I'm not completely dismissing them. For dancegear, they do have a great stock and I'm interested in the sales rack they have on tights and leggings.
One thing to keep in mind: they don't have an exchange or return policy. -
Review from Alana C.
11/7/2011
I've gotten my Halloween costumes here frequently. I find their fitting rooms uncomfortable to try things on in. Because of that, I usually NEVER try things on and go for less complicated costumes. They are always so busy it is hard to navigate the store and in the past I've found it difficult to try and find customs due to the organization of the store.
That being said, they have some of the BEST animal ear selections I have ever seen. You could be a slutty ELEPHANT if you wanted. Last year I was a zebra and it was unique. Safari animal ears and tails? Awesome. They have a lot of costumes but if you want to save money look more to building a costume starting with accessories. If you go straight for the full costumes you're shelling out a minimum $80. -
Review from Denise S.
5/25/2011
Malabar has 2 main areas: costumes/party stuff & dancewear. Previous reviews have already talked about the awesome costume selection, so I will just speak to the dancewear side of things. (Except, just wanted to mention that Halloween is the busiest time for them and they do have extended hours leading up to Oct. 31).
Malabar is one of the few good dance stores located downtown and is a one stop shop for all your dancing needs! They have a good selection of footwear. They don't have as many pointe shoes as danceshoppe and lack the expert fitters of The Shoe Room, but for other shoes they have all your basics (ballet slippers, jazz shoes, ballroom shoes, etc.). The carry a good selection of tights (seamed/seamless, footed, stirrup, converitble, fishnet, you name it). Even if I wasn't a dancer, I would buy my tights here because I find they are better quality and last longer than the ones you get at the department stores. For leotards, warm-ups, etc. they carry all the major brands latest designs: Mirella, Capezio, Bloch, KDdance... Look for the sale rack in the middle of the room for some good deals.
Staff are fun and helpful, most of them dancers themselves. For many dance studios, if you say you are a student they will register you for a 10% off card.Listed in: Dance Dance Revolution
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Review from Laura C.
Toronto, ON
10/25/2010
This is a great place to find a halloween costume, or even to get some ideas of what to do.
They have the place organized by Decades, or Monsters, or couples or whatever demographic for costumes you can think of.
The staff is helpful and when I told them my idea, they directed me to the different parts of the store to get the ingredients for my costume.
I did find that some of the items for more expensive than I'd like - especially aftr visiting party packagers afterwards. i.e. Tights ($12.00 here, but probably better quality, compared to $3.00)
They didn't have a lot in stock and it was a week before Halloween.
I couldn't find the fingerless fishnet gloves that were on their website, but I did end up finding it at Party Packagers.
I would say, if you want something quality, come here. But if it's just out of the plastic bag, you can find that anywhere.
They also have a costume rental across the way in the same building. I think it's also great for building ideas. Renting seems too steep ($100) but at least it can give you ideas! -
Review from Connie T.
Toronto, ON
Updated - 12/15/2008
If you're ever in search of a collapsible top hat, presidential mask, or bloody fingers to stick in an unsuspecting buddy's martini glass (bwa ha ha), Malabar probably has it. This retail portion of the Malabar block has pretty much anything you need for your costume-ry desires and is insanely popular around Halloween. Go figure.
They also have a serious dance wear section, which stirs up that 5-year-old in me who wishes she never begged mom to quit jazz dance lessons just because she couldn't distinguish her left from her right. All my failed dreams, here in this store, smacking me in the face. Lovely!
Breathe in, breathe out. [Bury childhood crisis, bury childhood crisis]
Whatever. Looking the other way keeps me occupied enough. It's never too early to think of Halloween 2009 costume ideas, anyway.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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12/14/2008 First to Review
Sure, Malabar's retail shop is a good centre for cheap moustaches, wigs, and kitschy accoutrements,… Read more »
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Review from Melissa J.
Toronto, ON
12/16/2008
If you love Halloween as much as I do, you will love Malabar. Mostly I like being a zombie or dead person of some sort because I LOVE doing the makeup for it.
And if you love stage makeup, Malabar is a great place to go get it. They've got fake blood that doesn't look like red corn syrup, real-looking fake skin, fake bullet wounds, stab wounds, wigs, hair pieces, beards, prosthetic glue to stick everything on, not to mention all the glitter and crazy colours, AND the prosthetic glue remover which is totally essential when you're using stuff that strong.
They also carry a lot of costumes, but they are usually on the expensive side and I'd rather make something myself. But for ANY sort of Halloween or costume accessories, this is your place. Of course, these kinds of things are never cheap, but when it gets to that time of year, I seem to just throw my money around anyways.
And speaking of the time of year, around Halloween, Malabar is pure insanity. They have extended hours for all those last minute costumes (or people who ran out of blood...like me...) so if you end up there, expect chaos. But you'll find something great for your costume! -
Review from Kat T.
5/10/2009
Malabar actually has quite a selection of fun optional items for you life. Going to a Halloween party? Get there the day of, and there is still a wide selection to choose from. A pirate themed costume party in May? They've got a whole section on pirate paraphenalia. The pink tutus and ballerina wear take up a small section of the store. Wigs galore and Obama masks abound. Fake lashes and press on tattoos and you'll be ready for a night at the Tattoo Rock Parlour. Don't forget your pimp hat! Strict, No returns policy. Hope you like that fake chest hair you purachased!
