Spooky forecast for Halloween retailers

(CNN) - Around this time of year, the only thing more frightening for retailers is a gloomy spending forecast.

"We're seeing a lot of people make their own costumes or use a costume from previous years," said Ellen Davis with the National Retail Federation.

According to the National Retail Federation, the average consumer will spend $56 on Halloween items this year, about $10 less than 2008.

Some retailers, both seasonal and year-round, said although customers are shopping later in the season, or only buying accessories for costumes they already own, so far, sales are up. Some give credit to the holiday.

"People are willing to drop $30, $40, $50 on a costume or accessories to kind of escape from reality," said Lorenzo Caltagirone, the owner of Total Fright.

Other tout price cuts.

"Halloween costumes for as low as $9.99," said Bill Furtkevic with Party City.

Don't forget the fact that Halloween falls on a Saturday, a bonus for some retailers, but not all.

"Candy doesn't necessarily benefit when Halloween is on a Saturday, because it means that fewer people are going to be home to hand out candy," said Davis

What is raking in the most dough this year? Disney costumes like Snow White, as well as superhero and Michael Jackson get-ups, and President Obama and first lady masks.