A survey released by National Retail Federation reports the highest year-over-year increase in consumer spending for Halloween festivities during its 10-year survey history. That is not the case for a small business in downtown Bloomington that is going out of business after 33 years of operation.
Dianne Higgins owns Costume Delight and says she has seen exactly the opposite.
"This Halloween season is been probably the worst Halloween in the 33 years, our numbers are down dramatically, the flow of customer has not been what we have expected and seen over the last several years," Higgins says.
Higgins says online buying, short-term Halloween stores and road construction on the street where her store sits have caused her business to shrink by 50 percent compared to last year.
"With the construction being here and you can go to many other locations to get Halloween items, it has affected our Halloween business drastically," she says.
Harv Hegarty was in Higgins' store Monday and says construction didn't discourage him from shopping.
"I spent quite a bit today because I got a lot for the future, I would say maybe $50," He says
Higgins says the business will continue online and but will close its doors by mid-December.