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Home My WebLink AboutTimes Advocate, 1991-10-16, Page 5IT'S YOIJR RIJSTWFS. Times -Advocate, October 16, 1991 Page 5 Hallowe'en still a lucrative market for small proprietors EXETER - On the heels of Thanksgiving comes one of the most popular days of the year among most children, Halloween. And while parents everywhere loosen their belts to provide a more comfortable fit fui the ever- increasing waistline brought on by all those turkey dinpers, retailers say they also loosen their purse strings in order to provide goodies for the kids and have a little fun. "It's one of the busiest times of the year for us," said Ann Arm- strong of Polka Dot Fabrics. "It's even busier than Christmas." A strange sort of fever seems to come over people as they prepare for the eve of November, accompa- nied by some strange rituals. Ac- cording to Armstrong, many break with their usual routines spending ghastly amounts on candy and cos- tumes. This year seems to be no different. Armstrong says that while the economy is still right, it's business as usual at the Polka Dot as people search for materials to build cos- tumes. "It's surprising what people will spend on costumes," said Arm- strong. "And people who don't nor- mally sew, will sew at Hallowe'en." The last day of October seems to bring out the best in some people, and Ron Wareing of Hensall fits the bill. The owner of Ron's Health Centre in Hensall has been selling costumes and accessories for 22 years, and each year continues to have fun. "It makes it easier to sell if you get involved with the activity," said Wareing, who last year dressed in a Miss Piggy costume. "And you have to have a lot of variety." Wareing prides himself on his an- nual Hallowe'en display and admits he has more than his share of fun. His store probably boasts the larg- est variety of costume ideas with over 200 rubber masks alone, and his annual clientele include shop- pers from a 35 mile radius. "Even with the recession I think there are still a lot of people who want to escape from reality," laughed Wareing. "But as a retailer you have to be willing to stock a large variety to suit everyone's taste and budget if you want to survive in the market." Retailers of candy in the area are also noticing signs of a comfortable October, as families stock up early on affordable snacks. Pat Crawford at the Triangle Discount agrees that people still try to go all out at Hal- lowe'en. "The rush on candy actually start- ed about a month ago," said Craw- ford. She said that many begin shop- ping early amidst fears stores will run out of goodies if they leave it to the last minute, and many shop weekly in order to stock up a little at a time. Small chocolate bars, suckers and Hallowe'en Kisses are still the most popular items. Sugar and Spice has been busy preparing for the increased October demand since early September. Even though they cater to a more specialized market, this year's Hal- lowe'en sales promise to be profita- ble. "We have a lot more in the way of special treats," said owner Che- rie Seldon. "For example, at Hal- lowe'en we attract the secret pals or grandparents who want to have an extra special treat on hand for grandchildren." Instead of the bulk supplies Sel- don's store manufactures items such as caramel coated apples, special Hallowe'en mixes and of course chocolate, all of which are high on the sweet tooth list. As an extra treat, she has stocked small contain- ers of apple cider which she says kids seem to love. "It's something a little different," said Seldon. "And the kids seem to really enjoy it." All of the retailers agree that in today's day and age, safety is a key concern among parents in general. Sales of items such as flashlights and reflective patches are very high and parents are promising to take the time to check over goodies. "One thing we do here at the store is label our candy," said Sel- don. "And it's a trait you see a lot of people doing at home this year which is great." Ron Wareing of Ron's Health Centre in Hensall has Mulroney right where he wants him. Wareing has been catering to Hal- lowe'en clientele for 22 years and says he always enjoys the season of ghosts and ghouls. Non-profit housing for Exeter EXETER - Svc non-profit hous- mg units have been earmarked for Exeter under the Ontario Non - Profit Housing Program. Paul Klopp, MPP for Huron, said recently, "My colleague Evelyn Gigantes, Minister of Housing, has asked me to extend her congratula- tions to the Western Ontario Thera- peutic community Hostel which re- ceived the go-ahead to develop plans for this much-needed housing for people with special needs." -_ This community-based group is among the first to be selected to produce non-profit housing as part of the Ontario Non -Profit Housing Program announced in last spring's budget. The program's goal is to produce 10,000 affordable housing units across the province. The non-profit housing sponsors will take out mortgage loans to pay the capital costs of the housing, and the province will subsidize the an- nual operating costs. -The housing will have tenants with a mix of incomes. Those with the lowest incomes will pay rents based on their incomes, while those with higher incomes will pay rents based on comparable accommoda- tion in the local, private market. Those eligible to apply for non- profit housing include families, senior citizens, single people, peo- ple with disabilities and refugee claimants. Construction of the housing will start_when Mellowing ministry app proves final plans. Canon COLOR LASER COPER INSTANT COLOUR COPIES Enlarge family or team photos to 8 1/ 2 x 11 or even 11 x 17 instantly with outstanding results. Ideal for business presentation materials... even colour transparencies 424 Main Street Exeter 235-1331 4 4 04= £4jo,1 PFelJ _ Diamond Merchant (direct from Antwerp) - Specializing in one of a kind diamond engagement rings or Change old jewellery into a heirloom piece of jewellery Nr- Total jewellery service an repair done on the premises is- Appraisals ii- Restringing of pearls and fashion jewellery or Total watch repair EUROPEAN GOLDSMITH DESIGNER Does Jewellery work on Premises Fast - Efficient - Service 423 Main St., Exeter 235-2666 Congratu(ations to Gibby Gibson of Exeter, who shopped at Darlings and won a new Pontiac Sunbird Convertible MILK Ik►rling TREAD r>�tii�n^fi1 106S Gibby Gibson entered a Knechtel Wholesale Promotion draw at Darlings in Exeter and was one of three lucky winners of new vehicles. Gibby and Zella Gibson enjoy their new convertible. They are shown receiving con- gratulations from Jim and Jeff Darling. Darling's LUCAN IR FOOD MARKETS