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
Nearly half of China's major cities are sinking, researchers say
Nearly half of China's major cities are suffering 'moderate to severe' levels of subsidence, putting millions at risk of flooding especially as sea levels rise.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Judge says 'no evidence fully supports' murder case against Umar Zameer as jury starts deliberations
The judge presiding over the trial of a man accused of fatally running over a Toronto police officer is telling jurors the possible verdicts they may reach based on the evidence in the case.
Sports columnist apologizes for 'oafish' comments directed at Caitlin Clark. The controversy isn't over
A male columnist has apologized for a cringeworthy moment during former University of Iowa superstar and college basketball's highest scorer Caitlin Clark's first news conference as an Indiana Fever player.
Health Canada to change sperm donor screening rules for men who have sex with men
Health Canada will change its longstanding policy restricting gay and bisexual men from donating to sperm banks in Canada, CTV News has learned. The federal health agency has adopted a revised directive removing the ban on gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, effective May 8.
Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.
'Shopaholic' author Sophie Kinsella reveals brain cancer diagnosis
Sophie Kinsella, the best-selling author behind the 'Shopaholic' book series, has revealed that she is receiving treatment for brain cancer.
LeBlanc says he plans to run in next election, under Trudeau's leadership
Cabinet minister Dominic LeBlanc says he plans to run in the next election as a candidate under Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's leadership, amid questions about his rumoured interest in succeeding his longtime friend for the top job.