The Halloween rush is on in Ottawa
Halloween is creeping closer every day, and despite supply chain shortages, billions will be spent on candy, costumes and parties.
And no one loves this scary time of year more than 11-year-old Ben Coulter.
"I’m thinking of being Michael Myers," says Coulter who has seen every Halloween movie.
At Spirit Halloween in Kanata, the rush for costumes and decorations started in early August. Manager Joelle Desjardins says the more popular costumes are already close to being sold out.
"On weekends we have lineups all the way around the store," Desjardins says. "This year, Hocus Pocus is a huge one clearly. The second movie just came out after 30 years, I believe."
Halloween injects hundreds of millions of dollars into the economy. The Retail Council of Canada estimates the majority of Canadians will spend more than $50 on costumes and candy.
"We know that there’s still some ongoing supply chain issues," says Michelle Wasylyshen, Retail Council of Canada National spokeswoman. "Not across the board, but in some circumstances there are. So if you see something that you like, it’s always best to ensure that you purchase it early."
Along with many costumes selling out early this year, another big seller is the animatronics. Which gets bigger and creepier every year.
"A lot more people are decorating the outside of their homes," Desjardins says. "So that’s a huge seller this year."
Shipments arrive weekly, and given the pent-up demand this October, supplies will sell out fast.
"Halloween is a very special time," says Nick Hemm, Spirit Halloween Ottawa and Kingston operator. "Because you get to spend it with your family and there’s not as much pressure as Christmas.”
As for Coulter, there’s no better time of year than now to watch more of his favourite horror movies.
"My favourite one would probably be Killer Clowns From Outer Space."
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Former homicide detective explains how police will investigate shooting outside Drake's Bridle Path mansion
Footage from dozens of security cameras in the area of Drake’s Bridle Path mansion could be the key to identifying the suspect responsible for shooting and seriously injuring a security guard outside the rapper’s sprawling home early Tuesday morning, a former Toronto homicide detective says.
Federal government grants B.C.'s request to recriminalize hard drugs in public spaces
The federal government is granting British Columbia's request to recriminalize hard drugs in public spaces, nearly two weeks after the province asked to end its pilot project early over concerns of public drug use.
Stormy Daniels describes meeting Trump during occasionally graphic testimony in hush money trial
Stormy Daniels took the witness stand Tuesday at Donald Trump's hush money trial, describing for jurors a sexual encounter the porn actor says she had with him in 2006 that resulted in her being paid off to keep silent during the presidential race 10 years later.
MPs agree Canadian gov't should improve new disability benefit
The federal government needs to safeguard the incoming Canada Disability Benefit from clawbacks and do more to ensure it actually meets the stated aim of lifting people living with disabilities out of poverty, MPs from all parties agree.
Bye-bye bag fee: Calgary repeals single-use bylaw
A Calgary bylaw requiring businesses to charge a minimum bag fee and only provide single-use items when requested has officially been tossed.
CFL suspends Argos QB Chad Kelly at least nine games following investigation
The CFL has suspended Toronto Argonauts quarterback Chad Kelly for at least nine regular-season games following its investigation into a lawsuit filed by a former strength-and-conditioning coach against both the player and club.
Boy Scouts of America changing name for first time in 114 years, aiming for inclusivity
The Boy Scouts of America is changing its name for the first time in its 114-year history and will become Scouting America. It's a significant shift as the organization emerges from bankruptcy following a flood of sexual abuse claims and seeks to focus on inclusion.
opinion Tom Mulcair: Trudeau's handling of Poilievre's 'wacko' House turfing a clear sign of Liberal desperation
When Speaker Greg Fergus tossed out Pierre Poilievre from the House last week, "those of us who have experience as parliamentarians simply couldn't believe our eyes," writes former NDP leader Tom Mulcair in his column for CTVNews.ca
New charges for Ont. woman who previously admitted to defrauding doulas
The Brantford, Ont. woman who was previously sentenced to house arrest after admitting to deceiving doulas has been charged again in connection to a new victim.