One of the biggest Halloween questions I’ve been getting this year seems to be, “what’s in and what’s out?”
NRF’s latest Halloween survey found that the economy will play a role in how people celebrate, how much they spend and even their costume choice. According to the survey, many people will cut back on spending by reusing costumes from last year or making their own. There’s no doubt we’ll see the return of coffee grounds on people’s faces to mimic a beard, or the use of garbage bags or sheets for other homegrown costume ideas.
For those who have decided to splurge on a new costume this year, here’s a few things we hear retailers say are most popular:
- Anything and everything vampire! Thanks to a #1 best-selling Twilight book series and few television series that revolve around blood-sucking characters, vampire costumes and make-up are flying off shelves
- Michael Jackson – The King of Pop has had a profound impact on millions of people, as red jackets, fedoras and shiny white gloves are now in popular demand for Halloween costumes
- Kate Gosselin – What can I say? The reality TV mother of eight had enough of an impact to warrant her own costume (or at least, her own wig) in stores this year
- Hannah Montana – The teenage alter-ego continues her reign on NRF’s Top Children’s Costumes list, coming in at #13 this year
- Princess – For the fifth year in a row, princess topped our children’s costume list. Pink dresses, tiaras and sparkly shoes are in high demand
- Alice in Wonderland/Madhatter – In anticipation of what could be a blockbuster hit, large cartoon-style hats and little blue dresses are selling out everywhere
- Sometimes Halloween costumes just can’t be anticipated, and this year one completely unpredictable character may also make an appearance. After yesterday’s flying object in Colorado captivated people all over the world, don’t be surprised to see at least one Balloon Boy on your doorstep this Halloween.
Of course, traditional costumes like witch, pirate, cat, police officer and ghost still rank at the top, but one item didn’t make the cut this year. Politicians are off the list completely.
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I think the classic costume never goes out of fashion, and movies are obviously a great influence on what they will be more in demand for costumes, Finally, I believe that dressing up your favorite character is a great way to forget a bit of everyday worries and have a fun time in Halloween or in a costume party.
What’s going to be the hottest costume this year?
William you are absolutely correct. However, my pick for 2010
is an Egyptian Costume maybe Cleopatra costume.
The feeling seems to be that 2010 will be a better year for costumers. I also feel that Plus Size costumes will be getting a larger share of the demand for costumes as more and more people are becoming overweight.
Hot? Watch your newspapers for the next few weeks and review the headlines of the past few months. Right now it could be costumes reflecting the oil spill, but late breaking news always seem to trump. Makes it impossible for manufacturers to project, and difficult for them to produce on late notice. Some great home made Halloween costumes are borne from this combination.
it is interesting to see the top costumes change hands every year vampires witches pirates clowns cat and devil jump around for the top costume spot but it comes down to what movies are out there and what character that movie has such as vampire pirate witch or something else.
this coming next year i think that some of the popular costumes will be more connected to pop culture such as lady gaga and other music performers.
Kate Gosselin and the Twilight vampires…. there’s a combo I can support.
The movies will have a great influence this year on the costumes that will be worn. The biggest and the best movie of the year was The Last Airbender, I think Avatar costumes will be a big hit with everyone.
I think you are going to see alot more of the Alice In Wonderland Costumes sold this year. The movie was huge and Johnny Depp was awesome.
One of the biggest reasons that Halloween traditions have survived for so long, is the simple fact that the holiday is fun and mysterious. With candy and costumes as part of the equation, there is little need to question the purpose of having fun.
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A Minnie Mouse Halloween Costume such as Baby Minnie Mouse Costume is my choice for 2010
Just like with everything else I think the economy will affect how much is spent on Halloween costumes this year.On the flip side,many people will probably still continue to spend just from the fun aspect alone.I would have to agree that Avatar will be the big costume this year.
This year is definitely a vampire year! Watch out for those blood sucking creatures lurking around this October 31st!
May be next time I should read your tips 2-3 times so that I can put them into action.
It is always fun to watch kids in their costumes. Same with the adults. My kid was in Thomas the Train costume. I can’t wait for next year!
In Germany their is FASCHING now, don’t know if you’re knowning it, but this is a party for adults and childrens, too but for almost 3 months! You also dress up in a costume, but not for 3 months, but I think 10 days;) It starts in november and ends in february. Vampire costumes are very popular this year!
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[...] And speaking of costumes, here is a list of what retailers said are their most popular costumes, according to Kathy Grannis, NRF spokeswoman: [...]