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It may be a scary world out there, but consumers are deciding their Halloween needs are nothing to be afraid of.

In fact, more consumers plan to celebrate Halloween this year — 64.5 percent versus 58.7 percent in 2007 – and they're planning to spend about $2 more, or $66.54 per person, according to the National Retail Federation.

Total Halloween spending is expected to reach $5.77 billion, according to the retail organization.

Consumers seemed spooked by all the bad economic news, so why the sudden boost? They're doing it for the kids.

"Depriving our children, and our neighbors' children, of Halloween trick-or-treating is not something Americans seem willing to bear," said Jason Alderman, director of financial education at Visa Inc., which has seen a boost in consumer spending this season.

Tammy Deeters, a 41-year-old mother of two, said there is no way she can cut back on a holiday that means so much to her kids.

"My son Taylor has been looking forward to going as Batman all year," she said. "Sure the costume is $30, but it is worth it to let him dress as his hero for one day. Kids need these sort of things to feel normal even when times are tough."

That's why the Liberty Twp. resident said she will spend close to $200 on costumes, decorations and candy for Halloween.

The frightening reality — an economic recession, plunging stock prices and a national unemployment rate of more than 6 percent — had retailers worried consumers would hold back on Halloween. But with less than three days to go, stores said they are seeing their stock fly off the shelves.

"Since Halloween falls on a Friday this year, entertaining items like matching cups and plates and themed serving bowls are popular," said Hadley Barrows, spokeswoman for Target.

Contact this reporter at (513) 705-2843 or jheffner@coxohio.com.

Comment: How much will you spend on Halloween this year?