October 1, 2009

Current Halloween Shopping Trends Point to an Increased Focus on Discounts and Bargains

According to a recent survey by the National Retail Federation, Halloween spending is expected to be down 15% from last year. That equates to less people buying Halloween costumes, decorating their home and handing out candy. To meet the challenge of this decline in spending, retailers are focusing on discounts while consumes search for bargains.

Edison, NJ (PRWeb) September 29, 2009 - Consumers are expected to spend an average of $56.31 on Halloween, down from $66.54 last year, according to the National Retail Federation's 2009 Halloween Consumer Intentions and Actions Survey, conducted by BIGresearch in Columbus, Ohio.

Of the 8,526 consumers polled in the survey, conducted from Sept. 1 to Sept. 9, consumers aged 18 to 24, who were last year's biggest spenders for Halloween, plan to spend $68.56 this year, compared with $86.59 in 2008 and $81.91 in 2007. Furthermore, 32.6% of those surveyed said this year they would either make their own costume or reuse last year's costume.

It is estimated that total Halloween sales will be down just over $1 Billion from last year. This is bad news for Halloween costume retailers who need to find creative ways to drive sales in a down economy. Retailers are focusing on discounts and bargains to help salvage what may be the lowest sales in the past four years. Consumers will be extra savvy, searching for the best deals.

An example of a retailer that is trying to take the fright out of Halloween spending is CostumeSuperCenter.com. CostumeSuperCenter.com is selling first rate costumes at deep discounts up to 40% off retail. In addition, special promo code offers prominently displayed on their website may reduce costs even further. Other ways to save include periodic free shipping promotions and a no-risk, free costume exchange policy.

Philip Krim, VP of Marketing at CostumeSuperCenter.com says, "Our Recession Buster costumes, when coupled with other promotional discounts, amount to significant savings. Factor in our no-risk exchange policy and Halloween shopping may be more affordable than consumers believed possible. The savings apply to kid's costumes and adult costumes alike." CostumeSuperCenter.com also noted that it pays to shop early. The best deals are being offered now with plenty of time to make free exchanges if necessary.

About CostumeSuperCenter.com:
In 2005, Steve Mandell, founder of Party City decided to leverage his expertise in the Halloween and costume business to create a costume website that makes purchasing costumes simple and convenient. Mandell recognized the need for increased selections, high quality and more fashion savvy designs in the marketplace and that costumes should be available year round at low discount prices. Thus, www.costumesupercenter.com was born.

The online store features over 4000 different costumes and accessories for people ages 0-100 and pets too. Unlike other retailers and e-tailers, CostumeSuperCenter.com proudly offers most costumes in plus size too. CostumeSuperCenter.com also has the largest selection of hats, wigs, masks, accessories and make-up, as well as seasonal holiday decorations and props available on one site. Costumes are not just for Halloween. CostumeSuperCenter.com specializes in costumes for all holidays, theme parties, school and theatrical productions, and also sells sexy costumes for adults only.

Contact:
Steve Mandell, CEO
Costume Supercenter
45 Fernwood Avenue
Edison, NJ 08837
(732)486-1000
www.costumesupercenter.com