Halloween costumes scare up big business

Halloween isn’t just a treat for the kids this year.

The National Retail Federation says more people are buying costumes than ever before.

Between costumes, candy, and decorations, Americans will spend an estimated $7.4 billion on Halloween in 2014.

“Halloween is a great day to have fun, dress up, and be someone that you can’t be every day of your life,” Kanesha Testerman said. She was one of many last-minute shoppers looking for a costume at Zeezo’s on North Tejon Street.”It’s just fun. Adults can have fun, kids can have fun. It’s for the whole family.”

Mary Ryan was shopping for costumes with her son. She said she’s not surprised Americans are spending more on Halloween.

“Anybody can wear anything they want, and be anyone they want to be,” she said. “I think a lot of people lately have been so stressed, especially this year, it’ll be great to go out and have fun.”

The National Retail Federation estimates the average person will spend $77.52 on Halloween this year.

The extra spending means big business for costume stores.

“We’ve been busy for a couple of weeks,” said Zeezo’s managerKarl Brevik. “If you’re spending money on Halloween, you’re spending it with friends, you’re spending with family, you’re spending with trick-or-treaters.”