For Richard Dailey and his friends, getting in to the Halloween Spirit doesn't come cheap.
"We're going to have a pretty decent Halloween part," explains Dailey."A lot of decorations, to kind of set the mood. We're trying to stay
away from some of the big stuff that looks a little too fake."
After checking out several stores and spending $130, he estimates they'll each chip in an additional $30-40 before it's all said and done.
"It's probably one of the best holidays," says Dailey.
A survey for the National Retail Federation estimates 7 in 10 Americans will do something to celebrate Halloween this year-- more than ever before.
Those Americans who participate are expected to spend an average of $80 per person, for a total of $8 billion nationwide.
The numbers don't surprise Spirit Halloween Store Manager Heather Johnson.
"It's been a busy holiday, everything is up sales wise," says Johnson.
She says kids costumes seem to be selling stronger than those for adults this year, but as with every year, movies dictate the trends.
"Costume wise what's really popular this year is Avengers, Ted, Hunger Games, Zombies are still popular," says Johnson.
Dailey says his pals will be right on trend.
"I think we're all going as Batman villains."