(WTNH) — The month or so before Halloween is an exciting time of year for many people. Folks are decorating their houses and spending money getting ready for the holiday. Halloween is starting to rival Christmas when it comes to spending.
Spirit Halloween stores have opened across the state for the holiday. News 8 visited the store in Orange. It was stocked with everything from hanging skeleton decorations to costumes for kids and adults. Folks have already started their Halloween shopping; in fact, some started a month ago.
“It’s a lot of fun,” said Tim Moran, District Sales Manager for Spirit Halloween. “I’ve seen a lot of people come in and they get really into Halloween.”
Though this may sound like Christmas shopping, it’s not a trick. Halloween means big spending too –
a treat for stores that sell costumes and decorations. The National Retail Federation predicts Americans will spend nearly $7 billion on it this year – and spend more than $70 each.
“Halloween is more of a personal holiday than Christmas so we’re seeing a bigger trend in people spending on themselves,” said Moran.
Shoppers usually go into Spirit Halloween knowing exactly what they’re looking for. They start the shopping season by looking for decorations and later choose their costumes. Many have themes for decorating their houses – and themselves. It’s fun for kids and adults.
“I like watching my son get all excited getting his candy and his treats,” said Cherese Marcello of Milford. “I love all that. It’s fun for me, and him dressing up is fun.”
Part of what makes Halloween so much fun is that you can dress up as someone – or something – else for the day. What are folks dressing up as this year? Star Wars costumes are popular, so are super hero costumes.
“Kids get into it dressing up and trick or treating,” said Moran. “Adults throw their own themed parties. And there’s such a variety of what you can do that the possibilities are endless.”
