2009 Halloween sales booming despite economy

Despite the economy over the last year, Halloween sales are booming. According to IBIS World, Halloween sales are a record-breaking $6 billion in 2009, up 4.2% from last year. And in the last four years, the Halloween industry (costumes, candy, decorations and greeting cards) has grown 48.5%, Time reported.

Halloween sales in 2008, when the economy was at its worse, broke record sales. Candy sales this Halloween moved into the top category that make up Halloween sales, with the average person spending roughly $22 on treats. Total candy sales are up 6.8% from last year, according to Rueters.

Spirit Halloween reported that this year Michael Jackson, Bernie Madoff and Kate Gosselin costumes are the most popular costumes and are flying off the shelves.

Many people have attributed Halloween increases in sales to the fact that people want to escape, even if only for one night from their life. They want to be able to dress up and act like someone else for one night, and forget about their life and just let go.

Haunted houses are doing well this year too; several Salt Lake Community College (SLCC) students are gladly paying money this year to be scared at haunted houses, according to SLCC Globe Link.

Sources: Time, Reuters and SLCC Globe Link

Recent articles from this examiner:
2009 trick or treat times for Utah kids
WJLA Breast exam video causes controversy
Video: Utah teens cited for rapping their order in McDonalds drive through
$8000 tax credit extension for first time home buyers
Snow storm blankets several western states
Women of all sizes appear nude in Glamour magazine
H1N1 vaccine dangers
Video: Elizabeth Smart gives motivational speech at women’s seminar
H1N1 deaths in Utah
Video: Dying 6 year old girl left hundreds of secret notes behind
Video: 15 year old girl charged with murder of 9 year old, Elizabeth Olten
Men on a Mission Calendar causes controversy