OREGON, Ohio — Halloween shoppers might be in for a fright. Not from ghosts or goblins, however, but from candy prices that continue to climb ahead of the holiday.

At grocery stores across Ohio, customers say they’re feeling the pinch as they try to stock up for trick-or-treat night. Some, like Erin James, are looking for creative ways to save.

“I would probably do the little coupon packs that the fast-food restaurants offer for free ice cream and stuff,” James said. “It’s got to be cost-effective if you want to give the kids a decent Halloween.”

According to a study by FinanceBuzz , the average 100-piece bag of candy cost about $9.19 in 2020. Today, that same bag sells for about $16.39, a 78% increase in just five years.

Experts say the jump comes from several factors, including hig

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