Wal-Mart unveils annual top 10
Press Release MISSISSAUGA, ON, Oct. 25 /CNW/

    (Second Annual Ranking)

MISSISSAUGA, ON, Oct. 25 /CNW/ - Wal-Mart Canada today released the
company's second annual top 10 list of the most popular Halloween costumes in
Canada. For the second year in a row the retailer has polled its buyers and
stores nationwide to compile the "Wal-Mart" list of the expected top-selling
Halloween costumes in Canada for 2002. Here they are:

1. Spiderman -- $19.96
    The release of the enormously popular Spiderman movie earlier this year
spawned an array of merchandise featuring the agile hero, and Halloween
costumes are no exception. Spiderman will be seen in large numbers spinning
his web and trick-or-treating throughout neighbourhoods across Canada next
week.

2. Plush Animal Characters -- $14.96 - $19.46
    For toddlers, these cute and cuddly soft costumes come in a wide
assortment of animal characters. The most popular this year are Lions, Tigers,
Puppies, Bunnies, Butterflies and Unicorns.

3. Harry Potter -- $19.96
    In anticipation of the new movie -- Harry Potter and The Chamber of
Secrets -- to be released on November 15, the Harry Potter costume is a top
seller again this year. Canadian kids -- and many adults -- have been
enthralled by the magical adventures of Harry Potter as a result of the
popular books and last year's first Harry Potter movie release.

4. Princess Barbie -- $19.96
    The Barbie doll was launched in 1959, but Barbie continues to have an
indelible impact on young girls in Canada and much of the world. Throughout
her life Barbie has enjoyed more than 75 careers ranging from airline pilot to
surgeon. This year Princess Barbie is one of the most sought after Halloween
costumes in Canada.

    5. Yu Gi Oh! -- $24.96
    Originating in Japan, the Yu Gi Oh! craze started with a comic book,
which lead to an animated television series, followed by video games,
collector cards and action figures. It's not surprising this phenomenon has
now generated a popular Halloween costume. Yugi, the main character in the
mythical world of Yu Gi Oh!, will be a popular costumed character on October
31. Yugi is a mystical warrior with magical powers.

    6. Sleeping Beauty, Cinderella, and Dorothy -- $19.96
    Tied for sixth place on this year's Wal-Mart list are three popular
costumes for young girls depicting legendary storybook characters: Sleeping
Beauty, Cinderella, and Dorothy from The Wizard of Oz.

7. Star Wars Characters -- $12.96
    The key players in the ongoing Star Wars saga are top-selling costumes
this year. The most popular characters are Anakin Skywalker, Princess Amidala,
Darth Vader, and the Jedi.

8. Fire Fighter -- $12.96
    These popular costumes honour the brave men and women who rescue people
and put out fires. Halloween is a time when children look to these real-life
heroes as role models in our society.

9. Caillou -- $19.96
    The popular children's cartoon character will be seen in neighbourhoods
across Canada on October 31. Caillou is a young boy known to be wide eyed and
curious and who loves discovering the world around him.

10. Scream "Ghost" Costume -- $24.96
    The frightening ghost costume from the popular Scream movies is a hot
item with older kids and teens this year. A black cape coupled with a ghostly
white mask provides a startling effect.

Other Noteworthy Canadian Halloween Trends for 2002:

Adult Costumes -- $14.96 - $39.96
    -  For grown ups who plan to join in on the Halloween festivities,
       generic costumes are in high demand. The most popular are Witches,
       Skeletons, Pirates, Vampires, Wizards, Ghosts. This year a Groovy
       Adult costume which emulates a 1960's hippie character is also
       popular.

Safety Accessories -- $1.47 - $9.97
    -  Flashlights, Night Glow Sticks, and Reflector Tape are important and
       top-selling safety accessories for Halloween.

-  Party Accessories and Decorations -- $5.97 - $79.97
       To help set the Halloween mood, Strobe Lights, Fog Machines,
       Inflatable Pumpkins and Inflatable Frankensteins are the most popular
       decorations.

Established in 1994 and headquartered in Mississauga, Ontario, Wal-Mart
Canada operates a growing network of 201 stores nationwide. Over the past two
years more than 80 Canadian communities have lobbied or petitioned to have a
Wal-Mart store built in their towns. Throughout Canada Wal-Mart employs more
than 52,000 Canadians and was ranked this year as the best retailer and ninth
best company to work for in Canada by Report on Business Magazine.