Released: October 30, 2009

People plan a thriftier, more homemade Halloween

Source: Wendy Koch, USA Today

The frightful economy is scaring many people into a thriftier, more homemade Halloween.

Nearly one-third of consumers say the economy is affecting their Halloween spending, according to a survey by the National Retail Federation. Of those shoppers, 88% plan to spend less. NRF says total sales are expected to drop from an estimated $5.77 billion in 2008 to $4.75 billion this year.

“Many people will take the less-expensive road and either design their own costume or use last year’s,” says federation spokeswoman Kathy Grannis. The retail group expects spending on all things Halloween will drop 15%, to $56.31, per person.

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