After 138 years as a one-stop shop for those celebrating the frightful season, Elliotts continues to draw queues of people eager to find the perfect costume.

There are the classics that never go out of fashion and others inspired by cultural trends and viral moments.

Social media is ablaze with the spirit of Halloween, and this year a Netflix reboot of an old cartoon has inspired the costume choice of many.

Owner Clarke Elliott says he takes the most pride in people choosing his store over online.

“It’s always nice to have people on the high street rather than just shopping online,” said Mr Elliott.

There’s a constant flow of shoppers, which is nice to see. There’s always people looking for last-minute bits and pieces and that’s what we are here for.”

Mr Elliott, who explained that he owes his queues to the range of global suppliers the business relies on, said they are eager to keep up to date with the latest trends.

“Wednesday Addams has taken a spike again because of the new Netflix series. We’ve got Squid Games, Money Heist – a whole array of stuff.

“We have 400 different hats and 300 different wigs. That’s just the beginning of the accessories. There’s a ridiculous amount of stuff in stock – you won’t walk away empty handed.”

Cohen Beers, Chaeremon Roxas, and Austin Caroux-Fyson, all aged 19 and from Belfast, were unsure what costume to choose.

“We are going in to get some inspiration,” Cohen said.

The group admitted they were always excited to visit the shop on Ann Street.

“It’s a Belfast staple,” Austin said.

“I wouldn’t know where else to go for a costume,” Cohen said.

“I think it’s a lot harder to find a costume on Amazon,” Chaeremon added.

“I think I’ve left it a bit too close to the wire to shop on Amazon – it wouldn’t be here on time,” Cohen said.

May Williamson (19) and Beth Rooke (20) from Ballymoney travelled 45 minutes to come to Elliotts.

“We’re here because my outfit didn’t come,” May said

She was hoping to dress as a Dallas Cowboys cheerleader, while Beth’s Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz costume has also been lost in the post.

It was their first time visiting Elliotts, and were hopeful it would live up to the hype.

Kane Brennan (18), from America, and Thomas McGrath (18), from Ballycastle, were also excited to find their Halloween costumes.

Thomas said his costume would see him dress as Danny from Grease. Why did he choose that particular costume?

“For female attention,” he joked.