Lawn decorations, not just costumes, marking the season
By Anthony V. Coppola, Staff Writer
As customers combed the Halloween aisles in the East Windsor Target on Princeton-Hightstown Road, store manager John Storey affirmed a trend he’s noticed most of the season lawn decorations are a hot item.
“That’s what we are selling the most of,” Mr. Storey said. “Anything that lights up and goes outside. It’s crazy, you see everyone with their stuff decorated now.”
Inflatable pumpkin patches and black cats headline a list of fast movers, but some shoppers, like Beth Weiskopf, 43, of Plainsboro, had more interactive ghouls in mind.
“My three children moved out of the Trick-or-Treat phase,” she said. “We pretty much browse for decorations now.”
Ms. Weiskopf was surrounded by motion sensor items like a candy dish guarded by a monster’s hand. Get too close and the limb goes on the defensive.
Luke Drazdik, 13, and Charles D’Abbraccio, 13, ýPage=001 Column=001 OK,0008.00þ
both of East Windsor, were exploring the same section in search of props for a “terror trail” in Luke’s backyard. The Melvin H. Kreps Middle School duo is organizing the small event for a group of friends and hopes it will be the first of many.
“We actually came in the store looking for caution tape,” Luke said. “We thought a trip to the Halloween section might help us with new ideas.”
The boys will have to be outfitted in proper attire in order to effectively scare their friends. According to Mr. Storey, customers have been purchasing costumes at a consistent rate since the section opened the last week in September.
“That’s a little earlier than in years past,” Mr. Storey said. “They ramped up the displays and did a real nice job this year.”
The number of empty spaces for costumes supported his statements. For toddlers, Elmo and princess costumes were nowhere to be found. Superheroes remain a popular choice for boys, with Spiderman and Wolverine ýPage=001 Column=002 OK,0002.00þ
vacant on shelves. As for girls, witch ensembles and geisha outfits topped the most-wanted list.
While Target’s selection satisfies many shoppers, its inventory is small compared to Spirit Halloween on Route 33 in Hamilton. The seasonal chain is now in its 25th year of business, offering adult and child costumes, masks, wigs, makeup, party supplies and a privately licensed line of horror props.
Spirit Halloween opened Sept. 7 and remains in operation until Nov. 1. Store manager David Grapentine said business is booming so far and he doesn’t expect it to slow down until Nov. 2. Officially licensed decorations such as an exclusive 6-foot Jason prop, from the popular horror films, are selling well, according to Mr. Grapentine.
“It moves its eyes and head and swings a machete,” Mr. Grapentine said. “Pretty much all of our stores are sold out if it.”
With a clap of his hands, Mr. Grapentine prompted a monster suspended from a noose to begin climbing up a rope. He also activated a flying ghost that had customers gazing at the ceiling in wonderment.
As for costumes, Spirit Halloween offers hundreds of choices. Mr. Grapentine said there has been a difference this year in what adults are buying.
“None of the traditional stuff is going for adults,” Mr. Grapentine said. “It seems like they are going for funny costumes this year.”
He added that couples costumes are a big hit, thanks to Halloween parties.
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“We have a plug and socket, nuts and bolts, and bacon and eggs,” Mr. Grapentine said. “They are all doing really well.”
While traditional sales for adults are down, Mr. Grapentine said movies like “300,” which depicted the Spartans battle against the Persians, has boosted sales for god and goddess costumes.
For kids, however, traditional seems to be the way to go, according to Mr. Grapentine. He added that the new black suit Spiderman is selling out, along with Power Rangers and Ninja Turtles. Transformers costumes also are doing well with the recent release of the movie.
For former East Windsor resident Greg Kuncevich, 53, of Hamilton, the overwhelming selection of a store like Spirit Halloween can be a bit daunting. Mr. Kuncevich prefers to do his shopping at the East Windsor Wal-Mart on Route 130.
The Wal-Mart store paralleled the selection of Target, but with more adult costumes. Mr. Kuncevich was shopping for a theme party he and his wife attend every year.
“The theme for this year is the Village People, but I’m not too fond of that,” he said.
He added he hopes his ideas mix well with people at the party. “My wife is going to be a pig that flies,” Mr. Kuncevich said. “I want to be this scary beast I saw in a dream.”
His vision was of a three-
horned monster with a metallic eye in the center of its face. Mr. Kuncevich had his hands full of hairy masks, wings and eyeballs after an hour of shopping.
“I think I found everything we need to have a happy Halloween,” he said.
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