CHICAGO — With Halloween nearing, Chicago-area families are searching for ways to keep holiday spending under control as candy and costume prices continue to climb.
Claudia Santiago said comparing prices at multiple stores—and checking online—is one way she tries to find better deals.
“I try to go to different stores to see if I could find good values, or even online,” Santiago said.
Robert Smith faced the same challenge while buying candy for the Five Peas in a Pod Halloween Party at Westinghouse High School. He said keeping the purchase within budget has been difficult.
“Eighty five bucks for 10 bags of candy: It’s ridiculous,” Smith said.
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Smith said he found more affordable options at Stock ‘n Save in Hermosa, a wholesaler that is open to the public. The store is also getting ready to host its annual free Halloween party for the community on Saturday.
Mo Fattah of Stock ‘n Save said the family-owned business is absorbing higher costs where possible to keep prices as reasonable as it can.
“It’s been tough. Even if the cost on us increases, we try to reduce that as much as we can. But that’s why, you know, thankfully we get a lot of customers here,” he said.
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