Consumers are projected to spend over $13 billion on Halloween this year, with more than $4 billion dedicated to costumes, marking a new all-time high, according to the National Retail Federation. Nearly half of consumers began their Halloween shopping last month.
In Bakersfield, residents are eager to find deals and save money while enjoying the spooky season. Sonja Talamantes has owned the Bakersfield Costumes store in Oildale for over 15 years.
She said, “We’ve already got real busy this Halloween, and a lot of times big groups of people or families with their kids come in, and they’re usually the last-minute customers, but I feel like they’re already coming in. I think because they know that costumes are going to go fast and some want to find the best quality and the best price, they shop early.”
Christopher Murillo, purchasing a Freddy Krueger costume, said, “Maybe around $60 or 70$. But the money is going to be a good cause for my kids. It’s Halloween. It’s just going to be a special night for them. It’s really not about the money but about how I used it for a good cause for my kids.”…