Survey: average Halloween tab is $64.82

As investors fret about a housing slump causing US consumers to cut back on spending, the National Retail Federation said today that consumers are expected to spend $5.07 billion on Halloween-themed merchandise this year.

A Washington, D.C.-based retail trade association, the group said a survey it commissioned found that the average consumer plans to spend $64.82 on Halloween candy, decorations, and costumes in 2007, compared with $59.06 a year ago.
(By Chris Reidy, Globe staff)