Halloween is big business. 148 million Americans will partake in Halloween festivites this year and are expected to spend in excess of $66 per person on costumes, candies and decorations. Here’s how to enjoy Halloween safely, and without spending a lot of money.

New York, NY, September 13, 2013 – (Straight Line PR) — Every year at Halloween, families gather to carve pumpkins into jack-o-lanterns, attend costume parties, play pranks on one another, and go trick or treating. Halloween is big business. This year it is estimated that over $8.3 billion will be spent on Halloween related purchases.

Halloween is America’s second-largest commercial holiday, with Christmas being the first. According to the National Retail Federation (NRF), 148 million Americans will take part in some sort of Halloween celebration this year and will, on average, spend in excess of $66 per person on costumes, candies and decorations.

The Halloween industry thrives on the primary driver that every year, children and adults get to be someone else for an evening. Spending on Halloween costumes alone is expected to reach $4 billion this year. Here are some tips to make Halloween purchases special – and safe.

First, it’s a good idea, when purchasing Halloween costumes, to be sure they are made with flame resistant fabrics. Avoid costumes made from flimsy materials, baggy pants, sleeves, large capes or billowing skirts.

Purchase costumes from a reputable costume manufacturer, one which guarantees their merchandise to be free from defects. Industry insiders recommend costumes made by companies such as Forum Novelties ( http://www.forumnovelties.com/ ), Rubies ( http://www.rubies.com/ ), RG Costumes ( http://www.rgcostume.com/ ) and Fun World ( http://www.fun-world.net/halloween.html ).

The key things to check on potentially flimsy costumes will be the seams and stitching of the costume. When the seams separate, the entire costume is at risk. Online purchasers are at a huge disadvantage in this regard as they cannot inspect the garment before making a purchase.

It is important to choose costumes that are light-colored, bright and clearly visible to motorists. Trick or treaters should carry flashlights to see where they are walking, and to ensure that they are seen by others.

To guard against injuries, all costumes should fit well and not drag on the ground. Sturdy footwear is required. High heels are not a good idea. Swords, knives, and similar costume accessories should be made of soft, flexible material, to prevent injuries.

Industry insiders who sell products on the world’s top e-commerce platforms have had some bad experiences recently trying to refund costumes from Rasta Imposta ( http://www.rastaimposta.com/ ) and California Costumes ( http://www.californiacostumes.com ).

The big online retail platforms collect and measure feedback from customers, rating their satisfaction with their purchses. Both Rasta Imposta and California Costimes have had above normal negative feedback from dissatisfied customers. In many cases, the negative feedback was close to 40% on certain costumes from these two suppliers.

Rasta Imposta is known for creating licensed costumes from The Hangover Movie, Chiquita Banana, Dumb and Dumber and Gumby.

Retailers report popular adult costumes this year include:
* Michael Jackson, following the pop superstar’s death four years ago.
* Vampires, spurred by the young adult Twilight books and HBO’s True Blood series.
* Sexy Queen of Hearts, nurse and burlesque babe outfits.

To report a dangerous product or a product-related injury go online to http://www.SaferProducts.gov or call CPSC’s Hotline at (800) 638-2772. Consumers can read news releases and recall information at http://www.cpsc.gov , on Twitter @OnSafety or by subscribing to CPSC’s free e-mail newsletters.

About Marvin Phelps:
Marvin Phelps is a reporter specializing in the Halloween Products industry. He frequents all of the popular Halloween trade shows to discuss and analyze trends with other industry professionals. He considers wearing costumes, going door to door and asking for candy and watching monster movies to be among his greatest pleasures.

Contact:
Marvin Phelps
Halloween Products industry
New York, NY
856-939-9599
HalloweenProductNews@hotmail.com
http://www.californiacostumes.com