Jackson’s Star of Non-Thriller Halloween
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Frightening times could mean an even scarier Halloween.
New Yorkers are expected to cut back this year – buying less candy, wearing used costumes, recycling old decorations and throwing fewer parties.
“The economy has caught up to Halloween this year,” said Tracy Mullin, president and CEO of the National Retail Federation, which is predicting a 15.4 percent decrease in Halloween-related spending, based on a consumer survey.
“Since retailers know that American’s will be looking to celebrate on a budget, there’s no doubt we will see creative costume and decorating in every price point imaginable,” Mullin added.
Costume Cutbacks
Local shop owners noted that tough times have put some costume manufacturers out of business over the last two years, making it harder to fill shelves.
“By now I usually have my whole order, but I don’t even have half now,” said Kodi Hadrick, manager of Abracadabra in Chelsea.
Hadrick is having trouble stocking this season’s most popular costume: Michael Jackson. The lack of vendors and increase in demand has led to both shoddier outfits and higher prices, she said.
The Jackson suits rose to $65 this year from $45 – but that’s still a bargain compared to higher-end costumes of all sorts popular in years past.
Bargain Hunting
“Buyers are stocking up on smaller stuff to accessorize and making the costumes themselves as opposed to spending $100 on a full costume,” said Justin Nelson, manager of the Halloween Adventure Shop in Union Square.
Those who lack a crafty side might want to try Craigslist.org, where a used fat ballerina inflatable suit goes for $15 while a vampire costume for a toddler runs $12. Meanwhile, Housing Works, a non-profit thrift store chain in New York City, is selling used outfits at an Oct. 24 “Costume for a Cause!” fundraiser.
“The overriding theme for Americans’ Halloween celebrations this year will be, ‘How creative can I be, and how little can I spend?’” said Phil Rist, executive vice president of BIGresearch, who conducted the Halloween survey for the National Retail Federation.
I’d love to have a Michael Jackson costume this year, but I prefer to have the “smooth criminal” theme..
Here is what I think about Michael, and I truly feel like this in my heart. I honestly feel that Michael was the most talented and entertaining angel in heaven. And being that God loves us all so much,(no disrespect to others who have different religiongs) that he wanted to share Michael with us. I bet you he said before Michael left “wait until they see”! We were granted 50 golden years with his angel, and while Michael slept he took him back, maybe that way because he knew if he was awake Michael might ask if he could stay a little longer because he loved us-humanity- so so much. Michael loved this earth and everything that was pure in it. For that alone I love him back, the talents he possessed were just icing on the cake. I am extremely thankful for Michael and also that I lived in HIS era and got to see his light which produced magic with my own eyes. So are just starting to realize who we had, and thats O.K., as long as love comes out of it. We who love him feel like we had him only for 50 short years, but I know in heaven it had to be the longest 50 years ever. They missed him then like we miss him now, hes adored and loved in and out of this world. Thank You Michael for everything, we loved and enjoyed every single minute that God granted us to have with you. You could never be forgotten cause you live in all our hearts, and definetely in your amazing music and art. You are the best gift I have ever been given, and you inspire me to be a better like you. Its definetely do-able, you have shown us that and laid the blueprint on how to make this world a better place “for you and for me”. LOVE YOU MORE MJ…