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SALT LAKE CITY -- Even in a tight economy, people are still spending money on Halloween according to a report from American Express. Still, chances are you won't spend quite as much as you did last year.
Local businesses do not seem to be complaining. People are still getting what they need for Halloween, even though many agree sales are a bit down. Nevertheless, they say people need to forget about the economy and enjoy Halloween, even if it means loading up on a few pumpkins for the family.
At Schmidt's Market and Pumpkin Patch, a little Halloween tradition is still alive and well.
"Well, it's really important to have a good pumpkin. Everyone carves a pumpkin on Halloween, right?" said shopper Karena Gardner.
The owners here say that's what keeps business going each year. More than the economy, the bigger challenge for them is the weather.
According to American Express, Halloween sales will remain strong this year though you'll likely spend a little less than the year before.
"I think people are little bit more cautious about how they spend their money. They're still spending," said Laura Heugly of the Costume Closet
Heugly said more customers are looking for costumes that will last and looking for ideas they can use again next year. Still, the bottom line is that people don't seem to be giving up on their Halloween. The average person will still spend this year.
Costumes will make up the biggest chunk of money for most families. On candy and decorations, expect to spend around 30 bucks. And on the all-important pumpkin - around twenty dollars.
"We still got a couple of weeks to go before Halloween, and we expect it to be pretty close to what it was last year," said Schmidt.
And business owners think it's those Halloween traditions that keep sales up each year economy or not. "Kids really rely on doing fun things on holidays, and if you can do even one thing with your kids for the holiday, I think it's a good memory, and I think it's important for families to have memories," said Gardner.
Haunted attractions are also expected to be very strong this year, nationwide - an indication that people still want to be entertained in this down economy. Email: [manderson@ksl.com](<mailto: manderson@ksl.com>)
