Candy prices climb ahead of Halloween as families look for savings

CHICAGO -- As Halloween approaches, some Chicago-area shoppers are looking for ways to stretch their budgets as the cost of candy and costumes rises.

Claudia Santiago said she shops around in search of the best deals.

"I try to go to different stores to see if I could find good values, or even online," Santiago said.

Robert Smith, who was tasked with buying candy for the Five Peas in a Pod Halloween Party at Westinghouse High School, said staying within budget has been challenging.

"Eighty five bucks for 10 bags of candy: It's ridiculous," Smith said.

Smith said he found success shopping at Stock 'n Save in Hermosa, a wholesaler that is open to the public. The business is also preparing for its annual free Halloween party for the community on Saturday.

Mo Fattah of Stock 'n Save said the family-owned business has been working to manage higher costs while keeping prices as affordable as possible.

"It's been tough. Even if the cost on us increases, we try to reduce that as much as we can. But that's why, you know, thankfully we get a lot of customers here," he said.

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Rob Karr, president and CEO of the Illinois Retail Merchants Association, said retailers are facing difficult decisions.

"The struggle is real. I mean, you know. They want to stay open. They want to keep customers happy, but they also have to stay open. They have to recover their costs," Karr said.

According to an analysis by the ABC7 Data Team, candy prices are up about 7.7% from a year ago, compared with a 1.8% increase in grocery prices overall. The analysis found candy prices have risen at more than four times the rate of overall grocery inflation.

Families are also seeing higher costs for Halloween costumes.

Marisa Ikpoh, president and founder of The Give and Receive, said those expenses can add up quickly.

"I have four daughters, and just multiply the price of a costume times four, and you will feel my pain," Ikpoh said.

To help families save money, Ikpoh started a pop-up "Boo-tique" costume swap at the 36th Ward Office. The annual event allows families to exchange costumes instead of purchasing new ones.

"Maybe the parents can't afford it, so let's step in and be a community, right?" Ikpoh said. "We always have some old costumes hanging around, so why not exchange them with other people?"

The Boo-tique costume swap will be available Friday. Organizers will also accept costume donations after Halloween for next year's event.

Visit thegivenreceive.org for more information.