Subscribe | UPI Odd Newsletter Subscribe STOCKHOLM, Sweden, Oct. 29 (UPI) -- Only two in 10 Swedes say they will celebrate Halloween this year, and Swedish shop owners say that's bad news for them. A study conducted by the Swedish Trade Federation reveals 60 percent of Swedes don't plan on making any special purchases for the holiday this year, The Local reported Friday. Advertisement In the survey, 46 percent of shop owners said they believe Halloween's importance has decreased. "Even if we accept that Halloween isn't quite as hyped as before, there are still a lot of Halloween-themed shop windows with black and orange decorations," the Trade Federation's Meta Troell said in a statement. One of the things working against a continued rise in Halloween's popularity, Troell said, is its proximity to All Saints Day, when Swedes remember the passing of loved ones. A spokeswoman for the Swedish department store chain Ahlen's said interest in Halloween has declined since 2005. "It doesn't seem as important anymore," Monica Hultgren said. "Both Valentine's Day and Halloween, which are foreign traditions, have meant less for us. "On the other hand, Christmas and Easter are increasing. The week before Halloween we sell more Christmas items than Halloween decorations." Advertisement
