Halloween Spending Takes Hit This Year

By: Mary Grace Donaldson
Posted In: News

For retailers, it’s more frightening than the Purple People Eater.

According to statistics from a press release from the National Retail Federation, the economy is going take a major toll on Halloween sales this season. Consumers are projected to spend $56.31 in preparation for Halloween this year-down from $66.54 in 2008.

Students at Salve Regina University have mixed feelings about their Halloween spending.

Cathi McConnell, a junior majoring in photography, said that the economy should have affected her spending on Halloween. She also said that making a Halloween costume would have cost just as much as the $60 costume she purchased, designed to look like Batman’s sidekick, Robin. “They were all, like, $50-$60,” McConnell said of the array of costumes for sale at the Spirit Halloween Store in Middletown, R.I., where she purchased her costume.

Sara Thurber, a freshman majoring in secondary education and mathematics, will be celebrating Halloween this year, but when asked how and where, she shook her head.

“I don’t know.he knows,” Thurber said with a laugh as she gestured to her friend, Ben DiPaola, who is a freshman majoring in administration of justice and psychology. “But I want to go Trick-Or-Treating!” When asked if the economy will be affecting her spooky spending, Thurber answered with a vivacious YES, but also said that the poor economy was not the only factor affecting her budget. The costs of a university education are also forcing Thurber to curb her expenses.

DiPaola, who has not dressed up for Halloween since the seventh grade, will be participating in the costuming aspect of Halloween this year. He will be dressing up as the doctor from the British TV series “Doctor Who,” and his spending on the costume will not break the bank as he will be using items he already owns to make up about half of the costume.

Ashley Bedard and Colleen Serkes, freshmen and best friends who are majoring in elementary and special education and accounting and business administration, respectively, are excited about their first Halloween at college. Their excitement over attending the Campus Activities Board’s Halloween Dance and dressing up as “bunnies” was contagious. However, in spite of their excitement, their shopping trip for costumes was delayed due to money problems.

“I had to call home for money, to be completely honest,” said Bedard. “That’s why we didn’t go today.”