Trump masks, superhero costumes hot this Halloween season
Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton masks are very popular at Erie-area Halloween stores this season.
But the fame of the presidential candidate masks — with a selection that includes "Tax Evasion Trump" and "Cackling Clinton" expressions — isn't always translating into sales.
"People come in, put the mask on, take a photo and not buy it. That's been happening a lot," said Joe Mellesh, district manager for Spirit Halloween stores in Summit Township, Millcreek Township and Franklin. "In social networking, that's all we need to do now is take a photo."
Despite the selfie trappings of Facebook and Instagram, spending on Halloween costumes is expected to surpass $3 billion this year nationwide, according to the National Retail Federation.
Mellesh on Thursday said sales at the Spirit Halloween stores in the Summit Towne Centre, 7200 Peach St., and Millcreek Mall are up about 30 percent compared to this time in 2015. Spirit Halloween calls itself the country's largest Halloween retailer.
Superhero and action hero costumes, led by Batman, Spider-Man, and Harley Quinn of the popular summer movie "Suicide Squad," are expected to be the top-selling Halloween costumes this year, the National Retail Federation recently reported.
Witch, animal and "Star Wars" costumes are also hot.
For young kids, "Shimmer and Shine" and "Paw Patrol" TV characters have translated into strong-selling costumes in Erie, Mellesh said, while older children have gravitated toward ninja and military-style costumes.
And don't forget your pets come Oct. 31. Pumpkin, hot dog and bumblebee costumes are in for your candy-pawing cat and trick-or-treating dog.
Erie resident Raychel Adiutori said her 4-year-old daughter, Veronica, wants to dress up as Batgirl on Halloween, fitting the popular superhero costume trend. But the reasons might surprise you.
"She wants to be Batgirl because she definitely wants to wear makeup and mascara," Adiutori said before laughing.
Jessica Hunter's two children, Audrey, 8, and Leo, 4, are choosing to be a pair of vampires this Halloween.
"I guess they're kicking it old school," Hunter said. "Typically we make our costumes. I'm sure we'll still incorporate some homemade elements."
Other preferred costumes and masks this season include characters from the FX TV show "American Horror Story," music legend Prince and a line of "PG, family-friendly" costumes by Crayola, according to the National Retail Foundation.
Mellesh said his store always carries "the staples" for late-season shoppers, which he said are typically men looking for cowboy, pirate or Roman soldier outfits.
Gerry Weiss can be reached at 870-1884 or by email. Follow him on twitter at twitter.com/ETNweiss.
