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Vivienne Chow

Colourful wigs, devil costumes and even angel wings are dominating this year's Halloween wardrobe.

In Pottinger Street in Central - one of the most popular spots for Halloween outfits - items ranging from fake insects to scary costumes can be found priced from $20 to $200.

But the overwhelming popularity of Halloween this year has brought increased competition, not necessarily better business, for shop owners.

Many stores selling Halloween paraphernalia said business was slower  this year because  of the increasing number of similar outlets that had opened.

A spokeswoman  for the A&D Accessories Shop in Central said competition had intensified because an increasing number of people were celebrating Halloween.

'The most popular items are costumes of devils, ghosts and fairies,' she said.

'Masks of ghosts and monsters are also selling well.'

At the neighbouring Beauty Shop, a spokeswoman said there was a rise in the number of parents who were buying costumes for their children.

'It's because they are forced to celebrate Halloween at kindergarten,' she said.

'This year's costumes and accessories are much better designed and made with quality fabrics. The prices are more or less the same as last year.'

Lan Kwai Fong - the hottest location to celebrate Halloween - was expected to be crowded this year with an  influx of mainland tourists, a spokeswoman from Lan Kwai Fong Entertainment said.

'We have promoted our Halloween events this year through mainland travel agencies. One of them said it could bring about 1,000 people to Hong Kong over Halloween weekend,' she said.

'It's probably because Halloween isn't celebrated on the mainland and it's a very fresh concept for these tourists.'

Restaurants managed by Lan Kwai Fong Entertainment have introduced special  menus for the Halloween weekend, with about 50 per cent of their seats already booked.

'It should double the business of non-festival days,' said the spokeswoman.

'But the overall Halloween business should be more or less the same as last year.'



Popularity of Halloween has revellers dressing up to thrill