Halloween costumes wigging out over hot celebrities

This Halloween, expect to see plenty of Kate Gosselin, Blago, Farrah Fawcett and Michael Jackson, as well as vampires, Disney characters and more

Blood-thirsty demons, dead celebrities and living politicians are all part of this year's Halloween costume craze. "People like Halloween because for one day, they get to be someone else, be different, have fun and be goofy," said Randy Israel, owner of the Magical Mystery Tour costume shop in Morton Grove.

Michael Jackson, Elvis and Madonna costumes and Farrah Fawcett and Kate Gosselin wigs are some of top picks among costume buyers, according to Israel.

"Because of the King of Pop's death this year, we're seeing a lot of people come in and ask for Jackson outfits that include the 'Thriller' red jacket, sequined gloves and hats," said Israel.

"New this year is the Kate Gosselin wig and we have diapers and rubber throw-up that goes with it," Israel said. "We just got the wigs in stock and we've had a number of requests from buyers."

The venerable vampire costume, which has always been a Halloween staple, is seeing a resurgence of interest this year from costume buyers. "I think vampires are popular now because of the movie 'Twilight' and the HBO series, 'True Blood,''' Israel said. "Also popular for kids and adults are Batman, Spider-Man, Iron Man and Superman costumes. Heath Ledger as the Joker is still popular this year, but requests have waned since last Halloween."

Israel also said he's seeing a lot of couples coming in the store asking to dress as M&M's candies, because of the new candy colors and flavors.

"The former governor [Rod] Blagojevich's wig is also big this year," Israel said."

Princess costumes and characters from Disney films continue to be best-sellers for kids, according to costume experts at the Disney Store, which has several Chicago area locations. In addition to the brand new Disney Princess Tiana Deluxe Costume (inspired by a dress the princess wears in a scene in the upcoming holiday film "The Princess and the Frog"), the Disney Store expects Ariel ("The Little Mermaid") and "Cinderella" to remain Halloween favorites. Popular costumes for boys are Buzz Lightyear and Woody from the "Toy Story" films.

Despite fragile economic times, Halloween continues to lure buyers into costume shops.

"This year people are being more selective in their costume choices, but at the same time they are still spending," Israel said.

One of the spookiest aspects of Halloween this year may be the amount people plan to spend. Total spending on Halloween is expected to reach $4.75 billion, down from the $5.77 billion spent in 2008, according to the National Retail Federation's 2009 Halloween Consumer Intentions and Actions Survey.

"The economy has caught up to Halloween this year," said Tracy Mullin, president and CEO of the NRF, based in Washington D.C. "Since retailers know that Americans will be looking to celebrate on a budget, there's no doubt we will see creative costume and decorating ideas in every price point imaginable."

Consumers are expected to spend an average of $56.31 on Halloween, down from $66.54 last year, the survey indicated. Consumers plan to spend an average of $20.75 on costumes (includes children's and pets' costumes), $17.99 on candy, $14.54 on decorations and $3.02 on greeting cards.

Nearly one in three of the 8,526 consumers surveyed nationwide said the state of the U.S. economy will impact their Halloween spending plans. The largest majority (88 percent) plan to spend less overall.

Consumers also say they will be: buying less candy (46.5 percent); using last year's decorations without buying new ones (35.4 percent); making costumes instead of purchasing them (16.8 percent), and, reusing last year's costumes (15.8 percent).

Young adults, who were last year's big spenders for Halloween, plan to scale back dramatically this year. According to the survey, the average 18- to 24-year-old will spend $68.56 on the holiday, compared to $86.59 last year.

"With part-time jobs more scarce and parents unable to help out financially, many young adults have been impacted substantially by the economy," said Phil Rist, executive vice president of strategic initiatives for BIGresearch, which conducted the survey for the NRF. "The overriding theme for Americans' Halloween celebrations this year will be, 'How creative can I be, and how little can I spend?'"