Spending predicted to be down this Halloween

Fewer goblins and gangsters could be roaming the street this Halloween if predictions from one retail federation holds true.

However, local retailers said they aren't seeing a drop.

The National Retail Federation's national survey of consumers predicts that Americans will spend $4.75 billion on Halloween products this year, a decrease of 17 percent from 2008. The federation predicts the average consumer will spend $56.31, down from $66.54 last year.

Among the items or activities consumers are cutting back on include candy, throwing parties, carving pumpkins and decorations. The survey found that more respondents will be reusing last year's Halloween costumes and decorations.

Rob Younghouse, owner of Younghouse Party Central in Cape Girardeau, said sales were about the same as last year. His store has sold Halloween items since the 1970s.

"It started a little slow in early October but it's starting to pick up," Younghouse said. "It's such a last-minute holiday so I'm expecting we'll have those last-minute shoppers in the last days leading up to the holiday. I don't know why people wait around to buy their Halloween items, but it's been the case for years."

Younghouse said the best-selling costumes at his store include vampires, gangsters, Harry Potter, superheroes and hippies. Wigs, jackets and masks of Michael Jackson, the late King of Pop, are also hot items. While he's selling President Barack Obama apparel, Younghouse said those items sold better last year during the presidential primary.

* Prepare to be hypnotized with this business: With Halloween just days away, this item is fitting. The Show Me Hypnosis Center, 353 Christine St., Suite 3, has opened in Cape Girardeau.

Owned by Sherrel Zimmerman, the center offers hypnosis to help with stress management, athletic performance, memory enhancement, phobias, migraines and more.

Hours are by appointment only and can be made by calling 803-9770.

While some of you reading this may skeptical of hypnosis, Zimmerman said she's hoping to dispel any doubts.

"I am very excited to be offering this service to the Cape area and am committed to educating the public on the many benefits hypnosis has to offer and dispelling the myths that create confusion and misunderstanding about hypnotherapy," Zimmerman said. "The many facets and benefits of hypnosis and hypnotherapy are truly amazing."

* My Daddy's Cheesecake now open Sundays: Starting Nov. 1, My Daddy's Cheesecake at 265 S. Broadview will open from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sundays. Co-owner Kevin Stanfield said the restaurant is extending its days of operation by request of its customers. The location in Clayton, Mo., also is open seven days a week. The Clayton store opened in March.

* Chiropractic office moves: Pursley Chiropractic has relocated to 5 Doctors Park, Suite 1. Dr. Greg Pursley said the new location provides more than twice the amount of space than the old office at 35 Doctors Park. The Cape Girardeau Chamber of Commerce will hold a ribbon cutting at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday to celebrate the move.

Pursley Chiropractic offers spinal adjusting, physical therapy rehabilitation, corrective care and more. The practice may be contacted at 335-9188 or at www.drpursley.com.

* Truck repair shop opening: Long-time truck driver Rodney Enderle plans to open a truck repair business next month. Hook Tractor and Trailer Repair, 2150 Bessie St. in Cape Girardeau, will perform work from brake shoes to complete overhauls of 18-wheel big rigs.

Enderle, who owns Hook Transportation, said he'll employ his oldest son, Derrick Bangert, and a part-time mechanic. Hours aren't set yet but the days of operation will be Monday through Saturday.

Hook Tractor and Trailer Repair opens at a time when the trucking industry is struggling.

Elfrink Transportation, a Cape Girardeau-based regional truckload company that was founded in 1994, folded Dec. 17 because of financial troubles. Today Transport Topics online reported that Caterpillar saw a 53 percent drop in third-quarter profits. Caterpillar makes diesel engines and heavy equipment for trucks.

"Right now the trucking industry is the worst I've ever seen it," Enderle said. "I feel it may be next spring or summer before it turns around. I'm doing better than a lot of places but I know some companies are hanging on to make it."

* Nevada residents offered Cape insurance: Discount Insurance Group, 1009 N. Kingshighway, is offering personal insurance products to Nevada residents. Automobile, boat, motorcycle and RV insurance is available, with the possibility of life and health policies available in the future.

Agency owner Brian Barnes cited the Internet as a major factor for the multistate expansion.

"The Internet has been a major enabler, we have noticed a lot of web traffic from Nevada indicating a great demand and opportunity for our products," Barnes said in a written statement.

* Another salon coming to Cape Girardeau: As I was checking the business licenses at Cape Girardeau City Hall, I ran across one filed for Salon 115. The salon at 115 Independence St. is scheduled to open today. The owner is Delia Campbell.

This marks at least the fifth salon to open or relocate in Cape Girardeau and Jackson since the beginning of the year.

Southeast Missourian business reporter Brian Blackwell may be contacted at 388-3628 or bblackwell@semissourian.com.<I>