Scary stats: Halloween sales may be haunted this year
The economy is forcing Amy O'Connor of Lake Zurich to make a tough Halloween decision.
O'Connor threw a large neighborhood Halloween costume party last year, with 25 adults and their children. Apple bobbing, a bonfire, decorations and even gummy worms frozen in the ice cubes were part of the bash.
"It was a smashing success. We want to do it again, but we're just not sure," O'Connor said.
Like most families, the O'Connors have had to make many cuts in the family budget, emphasizing the question of whether a party with all the trimmings is the right thing to do this year. Along with her husband, Amy O'Connor is considering cutting the guest list or she may put the party on hold until next year, with hopes that the economy will be stronger.
"I have to make a decision today or tomorrow. It's already the first week of October," the Lake Zurich mom said.
Residents throughout the suburbs are forced with similar choices this season.
According to a recent survey, the economy is spooking Halloween shoppers. The national survey shows that most shoppers won't spend as much money on pumpkins, decorations and costumes as they did last year.
Shoppers are expected to spend an average of $56.31 this year, down from $66.54 last year. Nearly a third of respondents said the economy would impact their spending plans.
"The economy has caught up to Halloween this year," said Tracy Mullin, president and CEO of the National Retail Federation.
According to the survey, consumers say they will make cuts in all areas. Some say they will buy less candy (46.5 percent), use last year's decorations without buying new ones (35.4 percent), make costumes instead of purchasing them (16.8 percent), reuse last year's costumes (15.8 percent), and participate in fewer Halloween activities like haunted houses or fall festivals (26.4 percent).
Area retailers and pumpkin farms are heading into the season with a cautious outlook, not knowing what the season will bring. "Everyone is real concerned," said Sue Murdock, general manager at Goebbert's Pumpkin Farm in South Barrington.
Early spending results have been mixed so far, with some retailers hoping for increases in sales as Oct. 31 approaches.
That's what happened last year at Halloween Express, said area manager Lance Picha.
"We expect people will come in at the last minute if they have a party to go to. We're expecting a big spike at the end of the month," said Picha at the Hoffman Estates store.
Mar Ray Costume Shop in Palatine is finding sales slower than in the past. Manager Cheryl Larson points to the weakening economy and more competition.
Temporary shops, including Halloween USA and Halloween Express, are increasing their numbers by opening in vacant suburban stores.
Trina Jones, a district manager at Halloween USA, said sales at her stores are up slightly over last year.
Area pumpkin farms are also seeing an increase in activity this fall.
Goebbert's saw a record number of visitors for the first weekend in October. The amount of money spent also set records, Murdock said.
She believes parents are cutting back in many areas, but are attempting to find quality family activities. "It has given us great hope. We're on track to have a good season," she said.
For shoppers looking to save on Halloween costs, there are outlets available. Goodwill and resale stores are beefing up their costume displays this year.
Organizations are aware that parents are forced to cut back and are attempting to help. For example, an outreach project, Kids Treating Kids, is offering free Halloween costumes to children in need from 4 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 20, at Pottawatomie Community Center in St. Charles.