Flash player is required to view weather conditions. Download

site web  

Superheroes and pirates will likely be showing up at your doorstep this Oct. 31, as Hollywood movies have inspired many trick-or-treaters to don the costumes of recent blockbuster hits.

"The Superman costume is pretty popular for guys, and we have a sexy-looking Supergirl outfit for girls," said Tri-County Mall's Spencer's manager, Cliff Cash.

Cash also said that the "Pirates of the Caribbean" look, made famous by actor Johnny Depp, is still going strong following the recent release of his sequel "Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest."

As teenagers have chosen to copy the look of their favorite movies and celebrities, younger kids also are finding inspiration from the entertainment industry.

"Star Wars characters, Dora the Explorer and Bob the Builder are all popular costumes for kids this year," said Jim Pennington, assistant manager of Ron's Halloween store at Middletown's Towne Mall.

Pennington said that pets are even getting in on the fun, with Spiderman, Superman and "jailhouse" dog costumes offered for every man's best friend.

Scary and cute

But if Hollywood hasn't enticed everyone with a character to portray for Halloween, Cash said that people will generally follow gender guidelines.

"Guys will go for the scary look, while girls will want the cute and sexy look," he said.

If you're in a relationship, picking out a "couple's costume" can be even more challenging. However, Cash said that the Cincinnati Bengals' success this year has inspired many couples to dress up as a referee and a Bengals football player.

Although creativity plays an important role when choosing an outfit, traditional costumes also are disappearing off store shelves just as quickly.

"Princess, vampire, witch and skeleton costumes have all been selling heavily," said.

Fairfield Twp. Target's hiring manager Sarah Bahr said, "Most customers here know exactly what they want, and come with just that (costume) in mind."

Deck out the house

While costumes are the most important purchase for trick-or-treating aficionados, those who greet trick-or-treaters at the door know that unique house and lawn decorations also can be just as crucial for the perfect Halloween.

A lifesize robotic "Leatherface" doll of "The Texas Chainsaw Massacre" is a popular selling item at Spencer's — even with its high price of $300.

"It's mainly bought by haunted houses and the people who really deck out their houses for Halloween," said Cash.

Fog machines also are always a favorite for putting together a haunted house or simply for having a Halloween party.

But what happened to the inflatable lawn decorations that were so popular these past few years?

Pennington said that they are back and better than ever.

"People come here and ask about the newer types (of inflatable decorations)," he said. "They're asking about ones they've seen with bubbles and balls that bounce around. Apparently there's even some spooky blow-up houses where you can actually walk around inside of it."

Contact this reporter at (513)

820-2168

or

sstock

@coxohio.com.