Despite Bernie Madoff masks, the Halloween business isn't spooked

For candy makers, Halloween is like Christmas and New Year's Day all rolled into one. Ditto for those who sell masks and other nick-knacks of the spooky holiday. Many companies in the Halloween business are expecting more tricks than treats this year especially with new products such as the "Ponzi" mask that looks suspiciously like swindler Bernie Madoff.

Halloween is not immune from the economy. According to the National Retail Federation, consumers are expected to spend $4.75 billion on the spooky holiday, down from $5.77 billion a year ago. People on average are planning on spending $56.31, down from $66.54 last year, according to the NRF. Not surprisingly, an NRF survey found most Americans are planning to celebrate more frugally because they are worried about the economy.