Halloween

WASHINGTON -- Retailers' costume selections should include plenty of princesses, Star Wars characters, witches, and Spider-man, according to the National Retail Federation (NRF) 2005 Halloween Consumer Intentions and Actions Survey, conducted by BIGresearch.

WASHINGTON -- As consumers begin to dust off their brooms and witch's hats, retailers everywhere are stocking up on spooky merchandise in anticipation of the most haunting day of the year, according to the National Retail Federation (NRF). The NRF 2005 Halloween Consumer Intentions and Actions Survey, conducted by BIGresearch, found that consumers are expected to spend $3.29 billion on Halloween this year, up 5.4 percent from $3.12 billion in 2004. Much of the increase in spending is expected to come from young adults.

WILMINGTON, Del. -- Charlie Brown and his friends are returning to Wal-Mart stores nationwide for the second year with activity books, stickers, point of sale materials and recipes designed to make learning about and eating fruits and vegetables part of Halloween fun.

WILMINGTON, Del. - Charlie Brown, Snoopy, and the rest of the Peanuts gang are joining forces with the world's biggest retailer this Halloween season to encourage children to treat themselves to good health by eating a colorful variety of at least 5 servings of fruits and vegetables every day.

WASHINGTON - Seems that retailers are in for a treat this Halloween, as sales are estimated to reach $3.12 billion, up from $2.96 billion last year, according to the National Retail Federation's 2004 Halloween Consumer Intentions and Actions Survey, conducted by BIGresearch.

CHICAGO - The non-alcoholic beverage market is expected to reach $79 billion by the end of 2004, registering an increase of 20 percent during 1999 to 2004, according to a new report from Mintel. By 2009, the market could be worth $98.2 billion, the report suggests.

Megaretailers are increasingly turning to custom-made national brands and promotions to differentiate themselves from the competition.

BENTONVILLE, Ark. - Both Wal-Mart Stores Inc. and Target Corp. on Thursday reported higher sales for October, despite sluggish results from Halloween due in part to the Washington sniper attacks.