RETAIL bosses are preparing for a stampede of shoppers this weekend as a massive surge in sales is expected ahead of this year’s Halloween celebrations.

Swindon’s Orbital Shopping Centre has conducted research that has revealed that families are gearing up for a bumper Halloween spending spree.

It says people are planning to spend more than £28 on costumes, decorations and sweets for trick or treaters – more than double the amount spent just five years ago.

Orbital Centre manager Jamie Turner said: “Halloween has really exploded in popularity over the last few years, with people buying increasingly elaborate costumes and decorations.

“We’re expecting a record number of shoppers over Halloween weekend as people stock up on last minute sweet treats for party guests and trick-or-treaters.”

The survey of 2,000 adults also revealed that almost half – 41 per cent – of Swindon’s residents will be celebrating by donning fancy dress this year, with one in six attending a Halloween party.

With this in mind, the Orbital Centre has dubbed Saturday, October 29 ‘Spooky Saturday’ as Swindon’s retailers prepare for a sharp rise in scary sales.

In the survey almost 40 per cent of people in Swindon said the shops they visit are their biggest inspiration for Halloween costumes and decorations, with spooky films influencing 19 per cent.

Just 11 per cent of people said they would be happy to wear the same outfit as they did last year.

And as excitement builds for the forthcoming Harry Potter film launch next month, it’s perhaps not surprising that witches and wizards are the region’s most popular costume choice.

Nearly a fifth of those surveyed will be dressing up with wands and broomsticks.

Other fancy dress shops in Swindon are also preparing for the Halloween rush this weekend.

Nikki Legg, the manager of the Giant Party Shop, in Victoria Road, said: “This time of the year is always mental, but we are prepared. We always make sure we have plenty of stock.

“Everyone leaves it until the last minute. I think because most people get paid at the end of the month and with Halloween occurring at that time, it means people tend to go a bit crazy.”

Asked which Halloween outfits are the most popular, Nikki said: “People love clown costumes. However, with the killer clown craze, I’m not sure we’ll see many this year.”