The trendiest costume this year is expected to be the zombie. According to 2011 Top Costume Survey conducted annually by the National Retail Federation, more than 2.6 million men, women and children plan to dress as zombies this Halloween. Thanks to the pop culture phenomenon of best-selling books, blockbuster movies, video games and television show characters, zombie costumes jumped from number 22 last year to number nine on children’s top costume list and from number seven to four on the adult list.

Zombies

As in previous years, traditional costumes still rank as consumer favorites, according to the National Retail Federation. Witches  13.4%) will be the top choice for adults while pirates (3.9%) and vampires (3.7%) win out thanks to popular television, movie
and pop-culture characters. Batman (2.2%), cats (2.2%) and vixens (2.1%) will also be popular with adults this year.

“Halloween isn’t just for kids anymore, as adults are just as likely to get in on the fun with clever, unique costumes,” said Matthew Shay NRF President and CEO. “With Halloween falling on a Monday, restaurants and retailers will benefit as many Americans celebrate all weekend long.”

More than 46 million children are now set for a specific costume. Pint-sized princesses (11%) continue their seven-year reign as the top children’s costume while other top choices for kids include Spiderman (3.1%), Batman (2.4%) and Superman (1.3%). Additionally, fairies (2.6%), Disney princesses (2.2%) and vampires (2.4%) made the top 10 for children.

Man’s best friend is also getting into the Halloween spirit this year. Like last year, the most popular pet costume will be a pumpkin
(10.7%), with devils (8.1%) and hot dogs (6.0%) following closely behind. Ironically, some pet owners also plan to dress their pet up like a cat (3.7%) or a dog (2.0%).

Assuming national trends aren’t playing tricks on Nevada, 1.4 million residents 18 years and older will spend money on the spooky holiday this year. If each Nevadan celebrating the holiday spends the expected average of $72.31, total spending in the state will reach $99 million, reports the Nevada News Bureau.

Speaking of spending, here are some places in Carson City where you can find the latest-greatest and spookiest costumes.

Spirit Halloween is a seasonal store with three locations in Northern Nevada including at the Carson Mall. The store boasts that they have just about anything you’d ever want in the way of Halloween costumes and other accessories, for everyone from infants to adults. 1443 S. Carson St., Carson City, (775) 841-2744.

Halloween City at in Carson City is part of the Party City group of stores. Get costumes for everyone in the family and every other
Halloween item you need for a spooky good time. 911 Topsy Lane suite 102