Sales growth in Halloween products is expected to slow this year as consumers rein in their spending in the tough climate.

Retailers have enjoyed a boom in Halloween sales in recent year – it is now the third biggest ‘event’ after Christmas and Easter. Planet Retail has estimated Halloween sales will hit £315m this year, an increase of 12.5% on 2010 but a slowdown on the 19.5% year-on-year growth experienced in 2010.

False eyelashes, dark nail varnishes and red lipstick have flown off the shelves at Asda, while Poundland is offering a variety of new products such as goblet skulls and bat brains.