Retailers cackle over Halloween profits

WASHINGTON, Oct. 31 (UPI) -- Retailers across the United States could have dressed as Cheshire cats, grinning while the young and young-at-heart prepared for the annual candy orgy.

The National Retail Federation estimated U.S. consumers would spend about $5 billion on costumes, candy, cards, decorations and celebrations, the San Francisco Chronicle reported Wednesday.

"Halloween is still mainly about the children, but we're noticing more and more that it's becoming a big party for adults, especially young adults," said federation spokeswoman Kathy Grannis. "Even pets are getting into the act."

Meanwhile, most people indicated they would spend Halloween evening distributing candy to ghosts, goblins, ninjas and princesses, a BIGResearch survey for the National Retail Federation showed.

Roughly 75 percent of people asked said they would hand out candy, the survey said. Another 48 percent said they would decorate their homes, while 43 percent of the respondents would carve a pumpkin. Other Halloween activities included dressing in a costume, taking children trick-or-treating, hosting or attending a party and visiting a haunted house.