Halloween shoppers in the US seeking sweet relief this spooky season have instead been shocked by the high price of seasonal treats, as cost of living pressures continue to bite.
Demetrio Beltres, a 33-year-old financial adviser searching for Halloween bargains for trick or treaters said he was spending more than his usual $15 (£11) to $20 this year because prices were much higher.
"I'm trying to spend at least $20 to $30 just to make sure that I get the kids something," he said, while browsing the rows of colour options at a Target in Manhattan.
A lot of people are finding they are in the same boat as Demetrio this year.
Stephen Zagor, adjunct associate professor at Columbia Business School, said people have only so much to spend, and when everyday essentials are costing more, people may feel less inclined to make this the most extravagant Halloween.