Halloween is no longer just for kids.
The night celebrating ghosts, goblins and trick-or-treating has turned into a $5 billion industry that lures adults as well as children.
“Adults are more into it than kids,” said Ishu Khoob, store manager of Masters Costumes in Woodbridge.
Consumers are expected to spend $5.07 billion celebrating Halloween this year, compared with $4.96 billion last year, according to a National Retail Federation survey.
The average person plans to spend $64.82 on such items as costumes, candy and decorations, about 10 percent more than the $59.06 estimated for last year.
“It has become more of a season compared to just a single day … and young adults and adults are celebrating more,” said Kathy Grannis, the trade group’s spokeswoman. “The costumes are more individual and creative,” and there is a separate market for adult costumes.
And more retailers are selling merchandise, Grannis said.
But more competition means independent specialty shops are having a more difficult time.
“Five or 10 years ago, [Halloween retail] was better,” said Beth Lehnert, manager of the Chocolate Moose in downtown Washington, which sells decorations, adult costumes and makeup.
“More people are moving to the suburbs and shopping out there,” at large retailers such as Wal-Mart or Target, she said.
Because Oct. 31 falls on a Wednesday, children don’t “come into the picture” until Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday this year, said Khoob, who said sales at the year-round costume shop are about the same as last year.
Sales are “unbelievable” when the holiday is on a Friday or Saturday, Lehnert said.
