An estimated $8 billion expected to be spent this Halloween

There's no spooking around this Halloween as 7 in 10 Americans plan to celebrate Halloween this year. The National Retail Federation says consumers are expected to spend more than last year.

Eyewitness News reporter Jennifer Lee asks Central New Yorkers why it's one of the most widely loved holidays of the year.

Many are doing some last minute costume shopping at party city in New Hartford. Whether it's looking for a full outfit or just some accessories, one thing is for sure, Halloweeners  say they look forward to getting into character every year.

"I'm being iron man," said four-year-old Sebastian Knoop.

I'm being Captain America," said his three-year-old brother Lennon Knoop.

After watching "The Avengers" movie with their dad these two children say they want to be superheroes on Halloween. And both costumes together cost $65.

According to a recent survey, a record 170 million people plan to celebrate this year.

"It's one of those seasons where you get to be creative and do what you want to do and be who you want to be. It's the one day of the year you can be someone else and have fun," said Kayla Postilio, a worker at Party City.

Kayla Postilio says anything zombie is in and surprisingly she says morph suits are popular this year. She says TV shows and movies have been influencing customers with their costumes.

But, for last minute shopper Donna McCoy, she says she's in the store to look for an idea.

"I'm going to a party on Saturday, so last minute I'm going to look for a costume trying to figure something out," said McCoy.

Reports say the average person will spend almost $80 on decorations, costumes and candy, with total Halloween spending expected to reach $8 billion.

"I think that's a lot for one night but it's worth it," said last minute shopper, Angela Williams.