Ghosts, goblins and ghouls aren’t scaring off shoppers.

In fact, despite the struggling economy and personal spending cuts, more people are expected to buy costumes and spend more money on them than last year, according to a survey by BIGresearch.

“Though the economy is struggling, Halloween sales may be a bright spot for retailers this fall,” said Tracy Mullin, National Retail Federation president and CEO. “Consumers — who have been anxious and uncertain for the past several months — may be looking at

Halloween as an opportunity to forget the stresses of daily life and just have a little fun.”

The survey shows that this year, 64.5 percent of consumers plan to celebrate Halloween, which is up from 58.7 percent last year. It also shows that the average person plans to spend $66.54 on the holiday, up from $64.82 one year ago.

Total Halloween spending for 2008 is estimated to reach $5.77 billion.

Those at local Halloween retailers agree that prospects for this year look bright.

“I think this is one of those times of the year where people can have a good time and have fun with it in the way they choose to,” said Chuck Mattingly, owner of Horner Novelty, in downtown Jeffersonville.

He said business this year seems similar to if not better than last.

Mattingly said the popular trends tend to follow movie and DVD releases, such as this year’s Indiana Jones, Star Wars, Hannah Montana and High School Musical character costumes. He said his 1970s era costumes have seen the biggest increase in category sales, tripling over last year.

However, many of those shopping had no idea what they were looking for, such as Todd Barryman, of New Albany.

“It’s Halloween, that’s the whole fun of it is to get all dressed up and look crazy,” he said, while taking off a fluorescent orange, furry pimp coat he tried on.

He, like many adults, were looking for the perfect outfit for a party.

“This is the first year I’m dressing up since I went trick-or-treating,” 21-year-old Alisha Smith said, checking out a 1970s go-go girl outfit in the mirror.

The Sellersburg resident was preparing for a party at her college, Purdue University, while she visited home for fall break.

“I don’t know,” she said, contemplating on the outfit or not, then grabbing a pirate one to try on. “We’ll see.”

Joy Thomas and her boyfriend don’t have to debate on what to be this year. The two are attending a “Treasure Island” themed party for Halloween.

“We go out every Halloween,” Thomas, of Clarksville, said. “We’ve gone out as vampires, Frankenstein and his bride. We always do something together.”

Vonda Hardin, of New Albany, is going to dress at Pocahontas to complement her family.

“I’m going to a costume party and my brother and his wife are going as a cowboy and cowgirl and they wanted someone to fight with,” she said, grinning at her pick sitting in the cart. “So, we’re going to be cowboys and Indians.”

Bill and Amanda Hogan, of Corydon, are hosting their own party. So far, they have found the ideal costume for their 4-year-old Kylie. However, they were still on the hunt for themselves.

“We’re just trying to decide on the perfect costume,” Bill said.

“You have to have the best,” Amanda, his wife, said. “You can’t be outdone by your guests.”

Costs for costumes at Horner can range from $9.99 to hundreds of dollars, Mattingly said. Whatever the costume, Tracey Ruehl, Horner’s store manager, said there are ways to save.

“You don’t have to spend extravagant amounts of money for it to be a good costume,” she said, dressed as a hippie in a tie-dyed shirt, peace sign necklace and wearing a headband over her wig of long, blonde hair. “You just have to use your imagination.”

She dressed up every day for work and tries to always do something new. To save, sometimes she just buys accessories to go with something she already has. Recently, she used a black dress and bought a hat and other small items to make a witch’s costume.

Buying is not the only option either. At A Costumiery, customers can buy or rent an outfit for Halloween or other holidays and events, starting at about $35 for a few days rental.

“The difference between renting and buying, with the rental you get a much higher quality costume and you get all the accessories, too,” said Jean Crook, owner of A Costumiery, in New Albany.

She said it will take another week before she really knows the local trends.

Those with BIGresearch say Halloween’s timing may help retailers get the extra push they are hoping for.

“After months of bleak economic news, consumers are looking for a reason to let loose,” said Phil Rist, vice president of strategy for BIGresearch. “And with Halloween falling on a Friday this year, consumers may plan to celebrate all weekend long.”

People will celebrate Halloween in a variety of ways, with the most popular activities including handing out candy (73.7 percent), carving a pumpkin (44.6 percent), and decorating (50.3 percent). Many consumers will also dress in costume (35.3 percent), throw or attend a party (31.1 percent) and take children trick-or-treating (33.6 percent).



2008 TOP COSTUMES

CHILDREN’S

1. Princess

2. Witch

3. Hannah Montana

4. Spider-Man

5. Pirate

6. Star Wars character

7. Pumpkin

8. Batman

9. Disney princess

10. Athlete/Ghost (tied)



ADULT

1. Witch 2. Pirate 3. Vampire 4. Cat 5. Fairy