ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO) — As Halloween arrives, Stateline residents have wrapped up their shopping, joining millions of Americans expected to spend a record $13.1 billion this season, according to the National Retail Federation.

The spending surge includes costumes, candy, decorations and greeting cards, with average per-person spending reaching $114.45, nearly $11 more than last year. The NRF’s annual survey shows 73% of U.S. adults plan to celebrate Halloween in some form.

“Prices are a little bit expensive,” said Sebastian Alulema, of South Beloit, who was shopping Thursday for costumes in Rockford. “Nowadays costumes can cost as much as regular clothes.”

Local Halloween enthusiast Allie Daniels has already spent more than the national average on a recent trunk-or-treat event.

“I prob

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