Another sign that the economy might be on the rebound.

Local stores see a boost in customers spending big bucks to celebrate Halloween.This despite a dire prediction from the National Retail Federation.

It's the time of year when fright delights,

flirty is fun and

candy reigns supreme.

Alex Jump, "I'm going to have a dinner party with my friends before we all go trick or treating so I can give candy out to the little kids that come to my house."

Halloween brings out the creativity in people of all ages.

Randy Downs, "I might put on the hat and maybe the glasses I don't know."Rachel Russell, "I dress up every year I like it. It's fun. I think I'm going to be Tom Cruise from Risky Business this year pretty sure."

The National Retail Federation predicts the economy will hit retailers hard this Halloween.

The group's survey found people were cutting back on parties, costumes and decorations.

But that doesn't seem to be the case in Chattanooga.

Susan Stringer, Beauty and the Beast, "We're actually ahead of last year so it's picking up and the people who are buying things are a little freer with their money."

At the Beauty and the Beast Costumes in Red Bank, Susan Stringer sees customers picking up more expensive costumes or adding more accessories.

Chris Head, Spirit Halloween, "Business has been booming really."

And at Spirit Halloween in Hixson, it's a similar story

The chain opened three new stores this year and sales are better than last year.

Chris Head, Spirit Halloween, "There has really not been a lull. It's been packed pretty much."

From the scary to the sweet, the silly to the just plain weird...people around here have big plans this Halloween.

Stringer, "People are really looking to have a good time just relax go out forget about your troubles for a little while ."

The National Retail Federation Survey found young people 18 to 24 spend the most on Halloween.

And, this year they plan to spend almost 20 dollars less than they did last year.