Have the events of September 11 in the US had an effect on the sales or choice of Hallowe'en costumes among Bermuda's shoppers? Yes and no, say local merchants.

Marty Grandors, manager of the Phoenix Stores, said children have shown a definite preference for firemen and policemen costumes, with supplies flying off the shelves. Ladies had snapped up nurse's uniforms, and doctor costumes were another popular choice which sold old quickly.

Overall, Mr. Grandors said shoppers were as eager as ever to buy Hallowe'en costumes.

A spokesman for Knick Knack Ltd. reported "brisk sales across the board", with customers showing no particular preference for one specific costume. While fireman outfits had sold out early, there was no discernible drift away from macabre or sinister themes. Bats, vampires, skeletons and ghouls were selling as well as they ever had.

At Toys N Stuff, owner-manager Jackie Rodill also reported steady sales, but said her store did not stock the traditional Hallowe'en costumes. Instead, in response to parents' requests, it sold those of story book characters because so many nurseries and pre-schools substituted eponymous "parades" for Hallowe'en themes.

"We haven't seen a definite trend in the choice of story book characters, but Builder Bob and the Teletubbies have been extremely popular, and they sold out long ago," Mrs. Rodill said.

At Jack `n' Jill's the story was similar. The store no longer sells ready-made costumes but stocks many accessories so customers can create their own.

"I think Hallowe'en has been softening for the last three years," a spokeswoman for the store said.

The popular Park Street children's toy store is also well known for its variety of candies, and here sales have been good.

"People have been buying as much as ever, although they have gone for the wrapped varieties," the spokeswoman said.