It seems consumers are only being spooked by ghouls and goblins, not the S&P 500.

"I don't really believe the times are that tough. Not by the evidence that I've seen. I can say for a fact that this store is constantly crowded," said Dwight Kemper, manager of the Spirit Halloween store in Ithaca while visiting the Vestal branch.

A survey by the National Retail Federation agrees.

The trade group says the average customer will spend around $66.54 on Halloween supplies, up $2.00 from last year.

"As the time grows ever nearer people are going to be saying, 'oh my gosh, it's Halloween, I need to get a costume," added Kemper.

Despite the positive numbers, some shoppers are still concerned.

"It makes me wonder how Christmas is going to be and everything. But I feel bad for the kids, because I think it is because of the economy," said Patsy Jenner, who was shopping with her grandson.

While some people are worried about the economy and how it's going to affect their holiday season, others don't want to burden their kids."

"Kids are only kids once and they love Halloween, so just let them have fun," said Marisa Butler, who was shopping with her daughter.

Butler is building a haunted house in her basement, and even with a recession looming she's hoping to have a good time come October 31st.

"Being kids they don't know what's going on, but as grownups we get in to Halloween as well, and it's just a fun holiday."

Spirit store officials say they're reporting record sales across the country.

Perhaps, because, even in tough times, Halloween can be a great distraction.

"It's probably one of the most fun holidays of the year, where they can dress up and let themselves loose and of course the candy," Kemper said with a flourish.

The NRF survey reports that consumers will spend over $5.7 billion on Halloween in 2008.

The group says these numbers reflect 2002, another year of economic uncertainty that reported strong sales.