Las Vegas NowHalloween Shoppers Not Scared of the Economy

Halloween Shoppers Not Scared of the Economy

This Halloween falls on the worst recession in history and while many businesses are struggling, Halloween shops and party planners say they are thriving.

The parking lot of the Halloween Mart in southwest Las Vegas tells the story. It's jam packed and doesn't look like what one might expect during tough economic times.

"It's jam packed. And, it's packed more at night time," said one shopper.

Party planners say they have been booked with so many clients, they've had to turn people away. Maybe it's the fact Halloween falls on a Saturday night on a holiday weekend. Halloween Mart manager Ren Matney did not predict sales would be this good.

In what's supposed to be the biggest economic fall in history -- on this Halloween -- people don't seem to care about how much they are spending.

"Right now we've probably spent about $300 to $400. But we have a bunch of costumes, we're just fine tuning them," said one shopper.

Monica Garcia says Halloween takes her mind off of other things. "It's a way to escape. I think it's a nice way to have fun and not worry about the recession."

"Halloween is actually a holiday where you can forget all your troubles. Just forget. For one night a year, dress, be whoever you wanna be. Forget your troubles," Matney said.

"Right now, there is nothing that could tell me that there's a recession," said Rhett Marek, Las Vegas Events Company manager. He thought his party planning sales would drop this holiday but he was wrong.

"We were ready to put our feet up this October, just because we didn't think we were going to do anything. We were shocked." He says the company has never been this busy in the 30 years in business.

Back at the Halloween Mart, Matney can't help but smile at the long line of people. "What more could we want out of the recession, but a happily ever after. A happy ending."

Experts say Halloween generates nearly $6 billion in retail sales a year.