Halloween Costumes Flying Off Shelves As New Yorkers Make Last-Minute Dash
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Some shoppers are in a full-blown panic searching for the perfect Halloween costume.
CBS2's Thalia Perez caught up with some last-minute shoppers Friday.
"I'm a procrastinator, so here I am," said Francesca Lapierre.
Costumes are flying off the shelves as the Halloween rush is in full swing.
A steady stream of shoppers were in and out of Spirit Halloween on 86th Street in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn.
Some found what they were looking for. Others, like Michael Rivera, left empty handed. Rivera said he drove from Staten Island in search of two costumes.
"Maybe I'll just come up with an idea and just make a costume for the both of us," Rivera said.
On Fifth Avenue, Havin A Party opened its doors at 9 a.m.
Owner Marc Davis said shopping earlier in the day this weekend will be key.
"Many people wait until the last second. We're sold out of a lot of items. We have a lot of items too. So if you're really not that picky, there will be something for you," said Davis.
"I like it when it's a little bit at a time so I can really be individual to each customer," he added.
Video captured the scene Thursday outside a Party City near Barclays Center, where customers patiently waited in line on the street. Many also may have been waiting because of the limited number of people allowed inside at a time.
The National Retail Federation said sales this year have jumped and are expected to reach pre-pandemic levels after they dipped last year. Average spending has climbed 10% with consumers spending just over $100 on costumes, candy, decorations and cards.
Some of the hottest selling costumes this year are Spider-Man, Batman, Wonder Woman and Supergirl, according to Davis.
If you can't make it to a store, you might find something lingering in your closet that you can turn into a costume.
CBS2's Thalia Perez contributed to this report.