Content about Halloween

WOONSOCKET, R.I. — CVS/pharmacy is gearing up for Halloween with its second annual Family Halloween Party, a festive customer appreciation event hosted at all 7,400 stores nationwide.

On Oct. 21 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., families are invited to their local CVS/pharmacy to celebrate and get the entire family into the spirit of Halloween. Children are encouraged to come in costume, and those dressed up will receive one free Halloween gift with any purchase, along with a fun pack filled with $15 in Halloween coupons, including:

HACKETTSTOWN, N.J. — Mars Chocolate already may have unveiled its lineup of new treats for Halloween, Valentine's Day, as well as the winter holiday season, but the company announced that it is adding new items to its Easter 2013 lineup.

The new Easter 2013 lineup includes:

• Snickers Peanut Butter Squared minis;

WASHINGTON — The air is getting colder and retailers are already gearing up for the Christmas season, but before they do that, they will have to get through Halloween.

According to a recent NRF consumer spending survey conducted by BIGinsight, Halloween will be a big deal this year, with seven in 10 Americans saying they plan on celebrating the holiday. Consumers are expecting to spend more too; the average person will spend $79.82 on decorations, costumes and candy, up from $72.31 last year, with total Halloween spending expected to reach $8 billion.

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. — The Mentholatum Co.’s Softlips brand has announced the launch of a new Halloween-themed lip balm that is hitting retail stores in early September.

The new Softlips Marshmallow Ghost will be featured as part of a Halloween-themed two-pack that includes the Softlips Vanilla lip balm.

MALVERN, Pa. — A Supervalu banner is offering parents ways to have a healthier Halloween.

Acme Markets registered dietitian Jennifer Shea said that such ideas as making sure children sleep well the night before Halloween, not letting children overindulge and having kids wear a pedometer to track their steps can help make Halloween a healthier holiday.

CAMP HILL, Pa. — Seven-in-10 Americans will celebrate Halloween, creating a $7 billion market, according to the National Retail Federation.

Retail pharmacy chain Rite Aid is addressing the demand with a wide selection of Halloween-related items, ranging from costumes and accessories to candy and decorations. This includes an online selection of 18,000 items.

The NRF predicts that a record 68.6% of Americans will celebrate Halloween on Oct. 31.

WASHINGTON — Retailers shouldn't be fearful of Halloween, as more consumers are expected to celebrate the holiday this year, the National Retail Federation said.

According to NRF’s 2011 Halloween Consumer Intentions and Actions Survey conducted by BIGresearch, 7-in-10 Americans (68.6%) plan to celebrate Halloween, up from 63.8% last year and the most in NRF’s 10-year survey history. Additionally, the average consumer will shell out $72.31 on decorations, costumes and candy, up from $66.28 last year. Total Halloween spending is expected to reach $6.86 billion.

DEERFIELD, Ill. — Walgreens is celebrating Halloween with a new Facebook contest.

NEW YORK — CandyRific is making holiday celebrations better than ever with new M&M's-branded novelty items.

This Halloween, expect to see frightfully fun M&M's products, which include a Halloween candy fan (suggested retail price of $3.99), Halloween embossed tin (SRP $1.99), Halloween sticker/stamper (SRP $2.99), Halloween screamers with sound (SRP $3.99) and a light-up Halloween candy pop fan (SRP $3.99).

This winter, Candy-Rific also will introduce M&M's Christmas-themed items, including:

• Candy dome key chain (SRP $1.99);

GLENDALE, Calif. —Just in time for Halloween, Nestle has added a bite-sized Butterfinger product to its 87-year-old classic candy brand. New ButterFinger Snackerz is a smooth Butterfinger candy center wrapped in a crispy, wafer biscuit and covered with chocolate and a decorative drizzle of peanut butter. It combines the classic Butterfinger flavors with new elements to provide a new snacking experience.