By: Jamie Reynolds
In a surprising move just weeks before Halloween, Target has decided to remove clown masks from its stores and online inventory. If you were contemplating a clown costume this year, it might be time to rethink your choices—unless you enjoy being the punchline of a very serious joke.
Due to a recent surge in unsettling clown-related incidents across the country, Target has opted to steer clear of selling anything that might further stoke those fears. Reports of clowns attempting to lure children into the woods or chase them down alleys have dominated headlines, creating a climate of anxiety that even the most daring Halloween enthusiasts might want to avoid. I mean, who wants to risk a heart attack on Halloween? I’d rather haunt you for your Kit Kats than face a clown in the wild.
Target spokesperson Alex Martinez shared with the media, “Given the current environment, we have made the decision to remove a variety of clown masks from our assortment, both in stores and online.” The masks being pulled are primarily the “creepy” varieties, but don’t worry! If your little one needs a lesson in bravery, you can still snag a child-sized clown costume, and for those who want to channel their inner jester, “sexy clown” outfits are still available. Hooray for questionable choices!
Some may argue that Target is overreacting, but let’s face it—2016 has been a rollercoaster of bizarre events, and the clown phenomenon has been particularly unnerving. According to local costume expert Tim Foster, clown costume sales have skyrocketed by over 300% compared to last year. “This season, eight out of the top ten clown masks are ‘evil’ in nature, compared to just five last year,” he noted. It seems like we could use more warnings in life, like “don’t eat crayons” or “don’t dress like a creepy clown during a nationwide scare.”
If you’re still considering donning a sinister clown costume this Halloween, you might want to familiarize yourself with your state’s concealed carry laws—a little tip from me to you. While there are still plenty of creepy clown options available at other retailers, let’s not ruin the joy of free candy night for the kids. After all, we want to enjoy Halloween vicariously through them, indulging in their Twix bars while binge-watching our favorite shows.
So, heed Target’s warning—they have our best interests at heart, even if their selection of lamps is much cuter.
In summary, Target’s decision to remove clown masks stems from a series of alarming clown-related incidents across the U.S., reflecting the heightened fears surrounding clowns this Halloween season. While some costumes remain available, we should all prioritize safety and let the kids enjoy a fun, fear-free Halloween.