Like many Americans, George Frazier plans to celebrate on a budget.

"I've got two little kids, 8 and 9, and a grandbaby. I figure if I can get away with 50 bucks I'll be happy," said Frazier.

The average consumer will spend about $56 on Halloween this year, down from roughly $66 last year. According to the National Retail Federation, that's down more than $10 million from 2008.

Frazier said, if he could, he would just create a costume.

"I can't sew, it'd be all messed up."

Instead he and his family looked for deals on decorations.

The manager of Party City on Campbell Avenue said sales are off to a slow start but he's optimistic things will pick up.

"Since Halloween is on a Saturday, I think it will get better. I think it will be really busy; kids don't have school the next day," said Trevor Sterley.

This year, Party City increased the dollar amount of its coupons to $15 off a Halloween costume. It's an effort to get more people in the door and Sterley said it's working.

"I saw it in the paper. I said, 'We better go now, because things are probably going to get higher. Get the sales, first come, first serve,'" said Frazier.

Saving money may be the biggest treat shoppers can get this Halloween.