(Australia-NewsWire.Com, November 09, 2012 ) ACT, Australia -- Little Halloween costumes are big business. Man’s best friend, and even some of more patient kitty-cats, have been getting into the holiday spirit.
A record number of pet-owners are outfitting their little precious’s in costumes of all types this year. According to the National Retail Association, more pets are dressing up for the spooky holiday than ever before. Purchases of pet costumes for Halloween are expected to net costume shops and seasonally-savvy retailers over $370 million dollars this year, up a staggering 600% from last years sales of $60 million.
The same report showed that owners are not skimping on food, pet grooming products or designer toys and pet-clothes. Even once human-only manufacturers like Paul Mitchell, Origins, Harley Davidson, and Old Navy are making pet products, including treats, pet shampoo, and more.
The American Pet Product Association studies pet-product buying habits. It says the data shows much of the new money being spent on our furry pals is coming from baby boomers whose kids are in college. This, according to Bob Vetere, Connecticut president of the APPA.
"These parents are known as helicopter parents because they hovered. Now they're looking to hover over something else. The family pet has filled that void. Dressing them for Halloween makes them more social. It's also cute for kids coming to the house for candy," Vetere said.
Larger retailers are happy to cash in on the influx of October spending. Target has rolled out 12 new costumes for dogs, with matching accessories, according to a Target spokesman. Another Target owner said that her location had one of the largest selections of pet costumes in the country, and even she was having trouble keeping them in-stock, with the most popular sizes having already flown off the shelves.
"If the family is doing Star Wars, they'll do Yoda for the dog. In this area there are lots of pet lovers. They will spend the extra $20 to make sure the dog fits in."
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Adorable-Pets.com.au (http://www.adorable-pets.com.au/) is an online resource for the best pet costumes and accessories year-round. Get pet carriers, collars, clothes for all occasions, toys and more at Adorable Pets.