Frightful money spent on Hallowe’en garb

BOOMING demand for fake blood, joke teeth and witches’ hats is making Hallowe’en a serious rival to Easter and St Valentine’s Day, shopkeepers said last night.

Stores reckon adults are spending up to €70 each on costumes and accessories while shopkeepers are expecting overwhelming demand for pumpkins, treats and party food.

Retail Ireland, the voice of the country’s shops and stores, said growth in demand for Hallowe’en goods had boomed within the last three years.