The economy’s scarier than a slasher flick, but consumers aren’t too frightened to open up their wallets for some serious Halloween spending.
Americans plan to spend an average of $47 on candy and decorations for the Oct. 31 holiday – an 18 percent increase over last year, according to a recent survey by Visa Inc.
“That would have been a significant jump in good economic times. The fact that we’re having it in bad economic times was surprising,” said Jason Alderman, director of financial education for Visa.
“This is an effective escape for a lot of people.”
He said Halloween is a natural fit for people because going all out doesn’t break the bank.
“You can spend $50 and really enjoy the holiday, and that’s hard to do for Christmas and Hanukkah,” he said.
Melody Vazquez, 22, who was shopping at Halloween Adventure Costume Superstore on Ninth Avenue at 43rd Street in Manhattan, agreed.
“I’m definitely going all out this year,” she said.
Yvonne Valdes, who was shopping with her boyfriend and daughter, said, “Life is full of stress. You’ve just got to enjoy these moments.”
Mike Filsaime, an online marketing consultant, predicted the robust Halloween spending season probably won’t translate to a shopping frenzy come Christmas and Thanksgiving.
“Christmas is going to create a different type of stress for people. There just isn’t that much to give,” he said.