With Halloween just around the corner, retail sales haven’t been so scary, say local shops.Customers, including tourists, are out in numbers despite the recession, snapping up playful costumes, accessories and candy.The Dollar Store chain, Phoenix Centre and Lindo’s have all seen steady sales.At the Phoenix Centre, costumes have been flying off the shelves with the top two ensembles for boys being Batman and Superman though Star Wars characters have proven popular, too.Store manager Darlene Simons said that Tinkerbell, witches and “drama queen” outfits are the best sellers this year.“Sales have been extremely good this week,” said Ms Simons. “The costumes have been moving well.”Phoenix also offers a line for teenagers called Monster High that has been popular this year. Adults have been getting into the fun as well — with vampires for the men and ‘sexy’ costumes for the ladies.Starting yesterday, all costumes and accessories went on a 30 percent sale while supplies last.The Reid Street store also received a bump in sales from tourists off the The World cruise ship, shopping for wigs, candy and masks for on-board Halloween parties.“They gave us a nice boost,” said Ms Simons.Just over on Brunswick Street in Hamilton and three other locations throughout the Island, the Dollar Depot stores have been “experiencing a steady trend of sales” with Halloween decorations leading up to the big event.Candy sales in Bermuda have been slower as retailers say most people wait until the last minute to purchase bags of treats. Though, according to one retailer, selling sweets is a sure bet.“Candy always sells well,” said Zach Moniz of Lindo’s Warwick. “You can tell by how many end caps [shelving ends] we dedicate to candy. The entire front end of the store is candy.”Lindo’s Warwick also sells Halloween novelty items including pumpkin carving utensils though candy is their number one holiday seller.Bags of candy went out on the shelves the last two weeks in September and they expect to sell out by October 31.The Supermarket stores also carry a wide variety of candies and treats, as well as pumpkins, to make jack o’ lanterns.Pumpkin sales have been ongoing in some grocery stores, like the Supermarket but two major one-day events at Wadson’s Farm and Hog Bay Park occur tomorrow. Starting at 9am families can pick their own pumpkins at the two patches. Hay rides, animal viewing, face painting and more are also on tap.“We sold out of pumpkins last year,” said a Wadson’s spokesperson. “We had this year’s pumpkins delivered yesterday and we have a full supply.”