ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO) — As Halloween arrives, Stateline residents have wrapped up their shopping, joining millions of Americans expected to spend a record $13.1 billion this season, according to the National Retail Federation.
The spending surge includes costumes, candy, decorations and greeting cards, with average per-person spending reaching $114.45, nearly $11 more than last year. The NRF’s annual survey shows 73% of U.S. adults plan to celebrate Halloween in some form.
“Prices are a little bit expensive,” said Sebastian Alulema, of South Beloit, who was shopping Thursday for costumes in Rockford. “Nowadays costumes can cost as much as regular clothes.”…