Union Square

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.

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas in Union Square — but merchants at the park’s 13th annual holiday market are singing the blues instead of seasonal carols.

The economic downturn has shoppers holding tight to purse strings, merchants say. They’re hoping business will pick up before the market closes shop on Christmas Eve.

“Obama for yo mama.” “Barack’’s How I Roll.” “Obaaaama for president.” “Bark for Obama.”

Even the dogs have gotten in on the Barack Obama frenzy that has swept through the T-shirt business catering to a new generation of voters that likes to wear its politics on its sleeve rather than on traditional pins or banners. (more…)

A sleek black cat rested in his cage at the front room of Hope Veterinary Clinic in Boerum Hill, Brooklyn. His yellow eyes beckoned potential parents.

“My name is Poe,” read the sign on the front of his temporary home. “I am a 7-month-old, neutered male, and I am the Purr-fect Halloween cat.”

But the weeks leading up to Halloween can mean bad luck for black cats.

Some city pet shelters and adoption agencies ban black-cat adoptions this time of year – fearful the felines could be used for religious or sacrificial purposes by groups engaged in witchcraft and paranormal communication.

Read More