Halloween stores not scared

Halloween stores near Chapel Hill expect this year’s sales to remain consistent with 2008 sales, despite students who say that the economy could affect how much they spend on their costumes this year.

Bob Bridges, owner of Halloween and More at the Streets at Southpoint, said he expects costume sales to stay the same because rising gas prices and the presidential election will not be factors that keep people from shopping at his store.

“People forget that last October we were in the throes of a recession. The news last Oct. 31 was not any better than this Oct. 31,” he said.

But some students said they will be taking the economy into consideration when planning their costumes.

“A lot of my friends have talked about trying to find ways that are cheaper, such as making their own costumes to save money,” said Emily Cosgrove, a senior sociology major.

And even though the recession has shown signs of ending, the experience of the past year, students said, has made them much more conscious about how they spend their money.

“I think people have become more money savvy,” said Kendra Miller, a sophomore chemistry major.

“They are more willing to save their money to go to Halloween or spring break or Christmas break,” she said.

Steven Schrenzel, manager of Time After Time, a vintage thrift store on West Franklin Street that sells costumes year-round, said sales are better this year than they were last year.

“So far it’s been a little bit better,” he said “The reason being because we have been on that spot for 25 years, and it is pretty well known around the area.”

Schrenzel says that Time After Time markets itself as having prices significantly lower than most other vintage shops, giving the store an edge on Halloween costume sales.

“Compared to other vintage stores our prices are half of those from other stores,” he said, “So far, just going by the month of October, we have actually been busier this year than last year.“

Schrenzel said the store has had its share of ups and downs, but overall the store’s 25-year history has allowed them to maintain a fair amount of customers for Halloween.

“In the past it has been kind of like a roller coaster,” he said “I would say, again, that given that we have been here so long that it stays for us fairly consistent,” he said.



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