A CLOWN that sits atop the counter at Secret Identity Costume Hire has been enough to scare some residents.

Although there's been reported sightings of clowns in Mackay, co-owner of the costume store Katrina Barker said no one had hired any Pennywise-style costumes.

"We sold two clown costumes last week,” she said.

"But they're not that type of clown It costumes.”

When Spooktacular was held in the City Centre in August people were frightened by the motion-sensored clown that sits on their counter.

"You have to be a bit wary where you put the clown stuff,” Mrs Barker said.

The shop, on Victoria St, is already getting into the spirit of Halloween - a bloodied body bag is displayed in the front window.

Characters from movies are proving a favourite with residents.

"People are looking for Harlequin costumes,” she said.

"Anything goes for Halloween

"People are doing up their homes as well.”

She said interactive, motion-sensored props were popular this year.