Reporter's Notebook

GIVE ME A GHOULISHLY GOOD TIME

Despite the icky economy, the National Retail Federation is projecting that Halloween retail sales are going to be the bright spot of holiday spending this year. Sales were expected to increase again this year – reaching an estimated $5.77 billion – while retailers are anticipating the worst holiday shopping season in six years.

The NRF has a take on why, comparing the data to strong Halloween sales in 2002, when consumers were faced economic uncertainty and a slew of geopolitical factors: Halloween is a time to let loose.

It’s a way to escape and be somebody else for a night or two. And I – who am typing this wearing my witchiest stockings and a feathered hat – agree. I also think that no matter how tight money gets, people always have at least one luxury habit they’ll spend on.

Pricey hair products, ridiculously extravagant gourmet olives, video games, season tickets for a sports team – we’ve all got one. For me, it’s Halloween costuming. In fact, I recently bought a totally useless bright red petticoat not because it was at all needed, but because it was a good investment for my costume closet.

So whether you just end up with a bowl of sumptuous olives tonight or letting loose in your best Devo ensemble, we at the VBJ wish you a safe and happy holiday. For more on how local shops fared with shoppers and how much Halloween candy Fred Meyer orders for its stores, check out today’s edition of the VBJ.

-Megan Patrick-Vaughn can be reached at mpatrick@vbjusa.com