The economy is creeping out consumers this Halloween season.

Sales of costumes, props and other accoutrements are trending lower this year — locally and nationally — as consumers opt for homemade outfits over elaborate store-bought or rented ensembles.

Consumers are expected to spend an average of $56.31 on Halloween, down from $66.54 last year, according to the National Retail Federation.

“In the 31 years I've been in business, it's the worst year ever,” said Geraldine Alfieri, owner of Geraldine's Costumes, 68-845 Perez Road, Suite 26, Cathedral City.

Business is down 80 percent over last Halloween, largely because of a lack of conventions and corporate events, she said.

“Corporate business is almost gone,” she said.

At Spirit Halloween, 78-267 Highway 111, La Quinta, store managers David Smith and Steve Baldonado have seen a dramatic increase in adult customers since first setting up shop in 2007.

In 2007, kids and teens accounted for about 70 percent of business, they said.

This year, about 75 percent of the people buying costumes are adults. Many are seniors attending country club Halloween parties.

Andy Allen, 86, of La Quinta is going as a hippie. He bought a vest, headband, round glasses and a peace-sign necklace.

“It's cheap,” Allen said.

Sales of items to make homemade costumes are up this year said Darla Cusey, store manager for Michael's Arts & Crafts, 44-150 Town Center Way in Palm Desert.

“They're making more masks,” she said. “I'm selling a lot of feathers. They're buying beads and the googley eyes.”