Mason Foster
palmettoreport@gmail.com

(Rock Hill, S.C.) – Halloween is on the horizon and whether it’s zombies, clowns or creepy dolls, many people say they’re looking forward to the holiday after a few years of COVID-19 restrictions and fears from the pandemic.

“I’m looking forward to Halloween. I’m doing a pretty fun costume with my partner so I’m looking forward to that,” said Rachel Burkhart, a shopper at Spirit Halloween in Rock Hill.

It’s estimated that Halloween sales will return to pre-pandemic levels, with 69% of consumers reporting they plan to celebrate this year, according to the National Retail Federation’s annual survey conducted by Prosper Insights & Analytics.

Jessica Galliher, a manager at Spirit Halloween, said she has noticed a difference in the preparation for Halloween this year.

“There’s definitely been an increase in sales, because people are going to parties, things are more open now,” Galliher said.

“I actually worked the first year of COVID; I worked 2020 for my first year. I worked in Matthews and I was their store manager there. It’s very cool to see the transition from then to now,” she said. “Back then people were still buying stuff, but not as much. It was mainly just home decor.”

However, others are not as excited.

“I am not looking forward to Halloween, because Halloween is around my birthday, especially at Winthrop. It seems to just be every single night a party. I’m in a frat, but I like to go to like one party,” said R.J. Lee, a shopper at Spirit Halloween.