Category Archives: News

Fun and exciting updates of events at McCullochs Costume and Party Supply in London Ontario.

London Magician Peter Mennie

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From time to time, London Magician Peter Mennie drops by to visit our magic counter at McCullochs. He has been a professional magician in South Western Ontario for a long time. He holds a local record for performances at London’s annual Wester Fair. The same record also applies to Rogers Cable Tv. He has appeared on Rogers Daytime more than any other magician. Peter has been a regular sight at McCullochs since 1968. It was then that he bought his first magic prop. It was a vanishing milk pitcher.

From the Peter Mennie Official Blog: “My dad and I went in and for me, it was like a kid in a candy store – or a boy in a magic shop! Dozens of cool props and I had no idea what any of them were. The man behind the counter, Don McCulloch explain to me what each trick did and I finally zeroed in on the Milk Vanishing Pitcher. I used that prop for years vanishing milk, chocolate milk, juice, water until it finally wore out. I don’t have the original prop (I did for 30 or more years), but I do still have a Milk Vanishing pitcher – even for just the sentimental value.”

The Vanishing Milk Pitcher is still being sold at McCullochs all these years later. It remains a popular trick for local magicians. That goes for both professional magicians as well as new amateur performers. Its an easy illusion to perform. Therefore its perfect for budding magicians who want to learn magic in London. Drop into McCullochs Costume and Party Supply on Dundas street to learn more. The magic counter features many magic tricks for professionals. They also carry magic kits for beginners.

London Magician Peter Mennie

London Professional Magician- Peter Mennie

Peter takes great pride in being a CLEAN COMEDY Magician and making his magic show a jaw dropping combination of ‘how-did-he-do-that’ Magic & Mind Reading, ‘laugh out loud’  Comedic Interaction and’never-embarrassing’ Audience Involvement that maximizes both the amazement factor and the laughter quotient – live on stage!

He has combined amazing magic, family-friendly comedy and great music into a show that has opened for The Backyardigans, entertained at top Canadian resorts like Deerhurst, Nottawasaga & Blue Mountain and sold out theatres like The Stockey Centre, The Blyth Festival and The Algonquin Theatre.

Retail Stores deal with COVID 19

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How do Retail Stores deal with Covid 19 in London Ontario? Keep Calm and Keep your sense of Humour says Doug McCulloch. Dough and Rose McCulloch own and operate Londons largest Costume and Party Store in the Forest City.

Like other retail stores in London, McCullochs had to make drastic changes to business during COVID 19. During COVID shutdowns, the well known costume store had to temporarily close public access to their store. In addition to costumes the store has a large citywide balloon delivery service. In the beginning, visitors to the store were not allowed. However balloon orders were still picked up curb side or delivered.

Retail Store COVID 19 Safety
Doug McCulloch keeping his sense of humour during COVID 19 precautions

COVID proved to be a double edged sword for the Party Store in London. Interest in costume sales plummeted during the shutdown. However… interest in balloon orders raised dramatically.

Large public gatherings like graduations had to be cancelled. Londoners decided to host private celebrations in their home. That meant they wanted to decorate things up a bit with balloon bouquets. McCullochs saw their graduation balloon orders skyrocket.

Not all Retail stores deal with covid 19 the same way. Many retailers in London have simply had to shut down or close. Others used the down time to enhance their business.

David Korhonen is owner of Icabods Escape Rooms in London . He spent the covid shutdown time enhancing his business. He updated and added new mind bending challenges to his escape rooms. This will provide an even more entertaining experience for guests. Ontario is now is Phase 3. Therefore the business is open to the public once more.

Retail Store employees wearing COVID 19 mask
Doug and Rose McCulloch wearing masks at McCullochs Costume in London

Open to the public with COVID safety measures in place.

McCullochs is also fully open to the public again. Safety measures are in place. This includes the citywide mask mandate. McCullochs is happy to participate in safe business practices. This allows the retail store to protect both staff and customers. Stay Safe Canada!

Kids Magician in London Ontario

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McCullochs Costume and Party Supply is London’s source for every costume related. When Captain Corbin, a kids magician in London Ontario needed a new costume hat, McCullochs was the obvious choice. It would seem the good Captain lost his hat during a terrible storm at sea. So he set forth in search of a new hat from McCullochs. The costume store in London the cities largest selection of hats for costumes.

Captain Corbin is actually a frequent visitor to the magic supply counter at McCullochs. He often drops into the store for magic supplies. He prides himself on his comedic antics during his childrens magic shows. The Pirate Magician performs his magic shows in London but also all across Ontario. Recent performances include shows in Windsor, Sarnia, Toronto, Mississauga and Hamilton. Some of his comedy antics can be seen in a comedy video he created during his last visit to McCullochs.

Childrens Magician Captain Corbin visits McCullochs Costumes in London.

The popular kids magician in London Ontario has created a youtube video series. The videos entertain children during their time spent at home during COVID 19. Some videos hilariously retell classic novels. Other videos in the series teach baking and crafts with magic and fun.

What makes Captain Corbin so popular as a kids magician in London?

Captain Corbin makes quite a swashbuckling scene strolling around an event. Always family friendly and a lot of fun, Captain Corbin is the best entertainer for a mixed family audience of all ages. Often the Captain will walk around with his pirate parrot puppet named “Pickles” and tell really corny pirate jokes! Everyone will be laughing at his hysterical hi-jinks, nautical nonsense and having a blast! He often gathers quite the crowd and has many requests to pause his pirating for people to take pictures.

Your guests will really enjoy the personal attention when Captain Corbin strolls up and performs just for them.  Captain Corbin can, and has performed at all kinds of venues, fairs, festivals and special events, both indoors and outside. If you don’t have a stage, or your stage is full, a strolling performance is a perfect fit.

Costume Hats in London

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Your year round source for costume hats in London Ontario is McCullochs Costume and Party Supply. They are not just London’s Halloween Headquarters. They are open for your costume needs 6 days a week all year long. Known for a huge selection of costumes, the store also stocks costume accessories like hats. Hats are often the part that complete many costumes. Imagine a cowboy, construction worker, police officer, fireman or pirate costume without a hat.

McCullochs Costume hat department is full of in stock hats to compliment any costume. Don’t live in the London Ontario area? You can browse the McCullochs online catalog for an even more diverse selection of hats for costumes in london.

Costume Accessories and Hats in London Ontario
London’s largest selection of costume hats and accessories at McCullochs Costume.

Where to find Costume Hats in London Ontario?

From viking helmets to ganster hats. For Holiday hats like Leprechaun hats for St. Patricks day. You will find the costume hats you are looking for at McCullochs Costume. They are located at 1140 Dundas St in London.

The McCullochs Costume hats inventory includes a large selection. This includes aviator, cowboy, keystone cop, fedora and fezs. Looking for roman helmets? Maybe a kings crown? How about a bowler hat? Odds are McCullochs has the hat you need to complete your costume. No matter what your hat costume budget is, McCullochs has you covered. Pardon the pun. 😉

Hat range in price from economic felt hats to higher quality hats for theatrical use. Everyone has a different costume budget. For that reason McCullochs have hats in various price ranges to match all budgets.

McCullochs also offers a wide variety of other costume accessories in addition to hats. Consider adding a necklace, costume jewelry , belt or wig to your costume. Remember that McCullochs is more than a Halloween Store in London. They are open all year to supply your costume needs.

Online Balloon Delivery in London

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It’s someones birthday and you are looking for online balloon delivery in London Ontario. Who offers the best balloon delivery in London? How can you pick the pick the perfect balloon bouquet? How do you customize a balloon bouquet to be perfect for your needs?

These are all things the balloon experts at McCullochs in London Ontario considered when building their online balloon delivery service. The balloon department at McCullochs Costume creates thousands of balloon bouquets as year. They understand online balloon shoppers want more than a set of prepackaged balloon bouquet options while ordering balloons online.

McCullochs offers you the option of browsing a large assortment of pre arranged balloon bouquets online. However… you can call the balloon department and speak to a real person. A balloon expert will explain how you can modify a balloon bouquet to match your needs perfectly. Want to add an additional mylar balloon? Want to change the licence character balloon from Spiderman to Captain America? Looking for a letter balloon or number balloon? No problem. McCullochs can customize any of their balloon bouquet packages for you.

So many balloons .. so many options! What to know before ordering balloon delivery in London.

When ordering balloon bouquets for special occasions like birthdays, anniversaries, a wedding, retirement party or welcoming a new baby its good to know your ordering options. McCullochs has a large assortment of licensed character balloons. Ranging from Disney characters to super heroes like Batman or the Avengers. They have it all. Yes they have Minions as well. Ask them about the licensed character of your choice. They probably have it in stock.

All McCullochs balloon bouquets come with a helium sealant ( Hi-Float ) . This creates a helium proof seal inside the latex balloon that prevents helium from leaking through the wall of the balloon. Did you know helium molecules are so small that they can squeeze between the microscopic holes in the balloon rubber? Many discount balloon store bouquets do not include helium sealant. Therefore they will not float nearly as long as a balloon from McCullochs with Hi-Float in it. So if you are looking for the best balloon delivery in London Ontario.. you have found it at McCullochs Balloon department.

Pick Up or Delivery?

McCullochs offers both Balloon Bouquet Delivery or Pick Up in Store options. They also accept Walk Ins. Many balloon stores require you to order online in advance only. This is because they have a limited staff or balloon department. The staff at McCullochs Balloon department is ready to create a custom balloon for you anytime. If you have a last minute balloon order just drop into the store at 1140 Dundas St. in London. You’ll walk out shortly after with the balloon bouquet you wanted.

Pirate Magician Captain Corbin

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McCullochs Costume and Party Supply Store in London had a surprise visitor. Recently Pirate Magician Captain Corbin stopped by McCullochs Costume on a quest for new Magic Pirate supplies.

Captain Corbin is McCullochs favourite Pirate Magician. His magical tricks and comedic antics have delighted children of all ages across South Western Ontario. Recent shows include performances in London, Hamilton, Toronto, St Thomas, Windsor and Sarnia.

He performs pirate themed magic shows for any special occasion. His family friendly show features hilarious comedy and interactive amazing crowd pleasing magic. For that reason the Captain is a favourite performer at Londons Storybook Gardens. The theme parks website states. “The Captain performs a great tropical show with pirate music, many surprises and amazing piratey magic. Therefore Pirates and mermaids of all ages will have a great time.”

Pirate Magician in Ontario
Captain Corbin the Magical Pirate visits McCullochs Costume

McCullochs Costume and Party Supply features a gigantic selection of costume accessories. They include any sword, eye patch, hat, belt, pirate flag or gold coins any pirate could use. They also have a huge selection of pirate themed party supplies and decorations. Therefore McCullochs is Captain Corbins favourite costume and party supply store. Its his first choice for all his pirate costume, party and magic trick needs.

From Captain Corbins Facebook page:

Experience counts when choosing entertainment for your special occasion. Therefore its important to note that Captain Corbin has close to 20 years experience. He performs at hundreds of events annually. For everyone’s safety, the Captain is fully insured with $5 million in general liability insurance. He also obtains a police check every year. Because of this you can rest assured in your entertainment choice.

For those reasons and many more, year after year, his show is the preferred choice for libraries, schools, summer camps, resorts, corporate groups and families. They know they can count on his unmatched professionalism and guaranteed entertainment value.

Magical Pirate Captain Corbin visits McCullochs
X marks the spot for Captain Corbin at McCullochs Costume in London Ontario

If you are looking for more information on this amazing children’s entertainer in London Ontario visit his website at http:www.captaincorbin.com .