Halloween Economics

Halloween’s Voodoo Economics (Business Week)

Americans will spend 50% more in 2006 than they did last year on Halloween jack-o-lanterns, spooky costumes, and ghoulish decorations.

From haunted houses to horror flicks and tales of headless horsemen, Halloween is a day when the fearful becomes fun. But maybe scarier than any demonic costume are the record amounts consumers are spending to celebrate the holiday. From elaborate lawn decorations to couture costumes, Americans will spend nearly $5 billion this Halloween, or about $60 a person-roughly 50% more than last year, says the National Retail Federation. With the craze for all things spooky growing every year, Halloween is becoming a season unto itself.