To see a video on what students are buying this Halloween, click here.
The struggling economy won’t scare away Halloween shoppers this year. Instead, consumers are using the holiday as an excuse to let loose during this tense period.Halloween spending is expected to reach $5.77 billion in the U.S. this year, according to the National Retail Federation. The average person plans to spend $66.54 on the holiday, up from $64.82 last year. The U.S. Department of Commerce reported a consumer spending slowdown in September as retail sales dropped 1.2 percent — the largest one-month decline in three years.But despite the shaky stock markets and high gas prices, more people plan to celebrate Halloween this year. More than 64 percent of those surveyed by the NRF said they would celebrate this year, compared to almost 59 percent in 2007.An estimated 51.8 million American adults plan to sport some sort of costume this Halloween. Brian Allen, co-owner of Halloween Express on Bluebonnet Boulevard, said he is pleased with sales so far. This year is the store’s first time to have a location in Baton Rouge, he said.The doors opened Sept. 13 and close Nov. 3, but Allen said he expects sales to boost this week.”I think we will extend our sales with that extra Saturday [Nov. 1],” he said. “For people who have kids, they will take their kids out on Friday and go to an adult party on Saturday.”Allen said 60 to 70 percent of Halloween sales are in the last 10 days of October.”That’s for everyone who waits until the last minute,” he said. “We expect it to get busier.”Although Halloween spending is strong this year, some students still show concerns about the uncertain economy.Liz Aldridge, psychology junior, said this is the first year finances have prevented her from buying a Halloween costume.”There’s no point in spending money on [a Halloween costume] when money is so tight,” Aldridge said. “There are other areas to spend money in.”Lynsie Mumphrey, psychology sophomore, also said she wouldn’t dress up for Halloween this year for financial reasons.”I don’t have any money,” she said. “I go to parties, but I can’t afford to dress up.”Mumphrey said she would rather use her money to pay for food and rent instead of a Halloween costume.Some students are using their available resources and planning to make their own costumes to save money.Lauren Pruner, biochemistry sophomore, said she made a nurse costume out of a white jumper she bought on sale for $3.Sloane Churchman, nutrition junior, plans to embellish a gold dress she purchased at Goodwill for $10 to create a sun goddess costume.But Tiffany Kirk, political science freshman, said she plans to spend up to $60 on her costume this year.Allen said sexy female costumes are the most popular among buyers at Halloween Express. He said costumes prices start at $20 but can reach more than $200.The most popular adult costumes in 2008 include a witch, pirate, vampire, cat and fairy, according to the NRF.More people are looking toward Hollywood and the upcoming election for costume inspiration this year. More than 570,000 adults said they plan to dress as a political figure.Since the blockbuster hit The Dark Knight, Batman costumes are also popular among adults, children and even pets.—-Contact Leslie Presnall at [email protected]