Halloween Scares Up Business

It was a frightening 2009 for Halloween stores, but spending for the haunted holiday is on course to rise to $6 billion this year, according to the National Retail Federation.

Americans are expected to shell out an average $66.28 on Halloween costumes and decorations – an increase over last year’s $56.31, according to the Federation’s 2010 Halloween Consumer Intentions and Actions Survey.

The holiday falls on a Sunday this year, which will give trick-or-treaters a chance to party all weekend long. With All Hallow’s Eve also comes the familiar sight of costume stores springing up across the city to help New Yorkers get ready for the celebration.