It's that time of year again -- Halloween costumes are trending on Google.

And the search is on in Toronto, as Halloween enthusiasts start collecting the bits and pieces needed to transform themselves for the spooky eve.

"It's one of those rare times people can really go over the top," says costume shop owner Beverley Quinn, tapping her nails on a glass case of novelty contact lenses.

Her store, Candy's Costume Shop on Mount Pleasant Road, is full of boxes. They've been getting shipments all week.

She digs through piles of new robes and wigs and makeup to track down a specially ordered Thor costume. On Monday she'll get a shipment of false limbs and accessories.

Quinn says about 90 per cent of her business is based on movies, and the characters big in the summer and early fall are sought after for Halloween.

For men, it's usually the superheroes.

"Captain America, Green Lantern, Thor. Those will be the big ones this year, I think," Quinn says.

For the ladies, she says the bottom line is about looking cute. They want the bunnies, the cats, the sexy pirates.

"This year I think it'll be Katy Perry. And Lady Gaga," she says, nodding at a row of colourful wigs lining the wall.

Her business partner, Geoff Waszek, is expecting a tribute to Amy Winehouse.

"I don't know if it's too soon, but I bet we'll get people wanting to be Amy Winehouse. We're definitely prepared for it," he says.

They have to be.

The classics -- zombies, pirates, Wizard of Oz -- never get old. But in the costume industry, retailers have to predict Halloween trends as early as January when they start going to costume shows and placing orders.

Although Candy's Costume Shop is open year-round, "you couldn't exist without Halloween," Quinn says.

They've got all the political masks -- the Reagans, the Clintons, the Obamas -- but aren't sure which Canadian characters will make an appearance this year.

Quinn says they haven't had any Rob Ford requests yet, but the store is prepared. "We've got extra Santa padding in case it comes up," she laughs.

Over at Theatrix Costume House near Dufferin and Dupont Streets, tailors and designers are putting the finishing touches on the extravagant hand-made costumes requested by the most avid Halloween revellers.

Oddly enough, their big request this year has been KISS.

"This one is for a guy in a KISS tribute band, but yeah, it's big," says Theatrix tailor Rebecca Zimmerman, stitching together a black vinyl Ace Frehley vest.

"I don't know where (this interest) came from," says makeup artist Jessica Botelho, laughing.

The custom order cost about $1,000, but for the average trick-or-treater, Theatrix also sells packaged costumes, and rents high-quality outfits starting at around $85.

"That's what sets us apart, our large, vast selection of rental costumes," says owner Gina Anki. "People who come here are looking for something that's different, unique."

They have several rows of rococo gowns, military outfits, novelty suits, armour, hats and 1920s flapper dresses.

With a store this full, they're ready for the masses. And they've already had requests for the playboy bunny outfits.

"Girls want to be sexy," Botelho says. The retro Bunny suits are always circulating.

Though the industry has been prepping for months, customers are just slowly starting to trickle in looking for ideas for Oct. 31.

Both shops say they have a week or two before things get really crazy. A lot of people leave Halloween costume shopping to the last minute.

Shopper Kurt Magney always goes on a pub crawl or two for Halloween. He usually gets two costumes; one for wearing at home and one for work.

Last year it was Spider-Man and Tweety Bird. As Magney browses options at Candy's on Friday looking for an office party get-up, he says he hasn't decided what to be this year. He says he'll probably jump on the Thor bandwagon.

"That or Captain America," he says

Quinn gives an "I told you so" look. She knew it.