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Posted: Monday, 12 October 2009 5:00AM
Cutting Back On Costumes, Candy Can't Bode Well for Christmas
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If you are spending less on Halloween this year, you are not alone.
29.6 percent of consumers say the economy will impact their Halloween spending. Of them, 88 percent plan to spend less overall, according to The National Retail Federation.
“With part-time jobs more scarce and parents unable to help out financially, many young adults have been impacted substantially by the economy,” says Phil Rist of BIGresearch, a survey firm that conducted the annual consumer spending trends study for the federation.
. “The overriding theme for Americans’ Halloween celebrations this year will be, ‘How creative can I be, and how little can I spend? ’”(cont'd below)
If people can't dig too deep to fund Halloween, what's that mean for Holiday Shopping? Expect more discount Items, less inventory, & fewer holiday jobs.
 Neiman Marcus Nods To Recession: With even super affluent shoppers tightening their Gucci belts, luxury retailer Neiman Marcus Group Inc. unveiled its Christmas Book Tuesday with a nod to this new frugality. (Read More)
Weak Holiday Forecast: After parents cut back on clothes and accessories for children this past fall, the retail industry suspects they won't be any more generous by the holidays.(Read More)
Related Audio:
WBEN's Steve Cichon with A Small Store's Story
On The Liveline: Retail Analyst Burt Flickinger | Justin Fox, Time magazine | Ben Gregory, Target Stores
 Who Do You Want To Be This Year.......
At George and Co. in the Eastern Hills Mall, the King of Pop is tops. Michael Jackson seems to be who many folks want to be this year.
Manager Karen Noe says wigs, black pants, white socks and makeup are flying off the shelf. But the most important item, the sequined white glove, is a little bit harder to come by. Noe says the glove is back-ordered from two different companies.
Despite the tough economy, Noe says shoppers are not cutting back on costumes although they aren't buying as many decorations. Traffic according to Noe has been steady as well as sales.
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The average consumer is expected to spend $56.31 on Halloween this year, down from $66.54 last year.
The NRF annual survey found consumers plan to spend an average of $20.75 on costumes, which includes children’s and pets’ costumes; $17.99 on candy; $14.54 on decorations and $3.02 on greeting cards.
“The economy has caught up to Halloween this year,” said Tracy Mullin, NRF President
 Since retailers know that Americans will be looking to celebrate on a budget, there’s no doubt we will see creative costume and decorating ideas in every price point imaginable.
-Tracy Mullin, National Retail Federation
Young adults, who were last year’s big spenders for Halloween, plan to scale back dramatically this year. According to the survey, the average 18-24 year-old will spend $68.56 on the holiday, compared to $86.59 last year and $81.91 in 2007.
SCARY SIGNS: Trick-or-Treat?
 Fewer costumes, fewer pumpkins: According to the survey, one-third (33.4%) will dress in costume, compared to 35.3 percent last year. The number of people carving a pumpkin will also drop (42.4% compared to 44.6% last year).
Fewer parties, festivals & events:: Additionally, fewer people will throw or attend a party (30.2% vs. 31.1% in 2008), visit a haunted house (17.0% vs. 18.1% in 2008) and hand out candy (71.2% vs. 73.7% last year).
Fewer Decorations: Even with the advent of life-sized yard decorations, which have become immensely popular in recent years, fewer people plan to decorate their home or yard (47.3% vs. 50.3%).
Source: BIG Research/National Retail Federation
Most Popular 2009 Costumes
Source: National Retail Federation
| Adult Costumes
1. Witch
2. Vampire
3. Pirate
4. Clown
5.Wench/Tart/Vixen
6. Cat
7. Devil
8. Scary Costume/Mask 9. Athlete
10. Police Officer
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Kids Costumes
1.Princess
2. Witch
3. Spider-Man
4. Pirate
5.Pumpkin
6. Vampire
7. Disney Princess
8. Star Wars Character 9. Tinker Bell
10.Batman
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Pet Costumes
1. Pumpkin
2. Devil
3. Bowties/Fancy Collars 4. Witch 5. Superdog/Supercat
6. Princess
7. Bat
8. Dog
9. Angel
10. Bee
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46.5 percent say they will buy less candy. 
