Halloween will be dead this year.

Halloween will be dead this year. Literally and figuratively. Here in the Southern California area the weather has just been too darn warn to get people in the "Halloween mood." And in the northeast Hurricane Sandy has wiped out the last few days of Halloween sales and probably has blown away and plans for trick or treating.

In fact several weeks ago, major Halloween retailers here in the Los Angeles area told me that their sales were way off from last year and from projections. The weak economy didn't do any good either on top of the warm weather. High gas prices also trimmed family discretionary income during October.

It really is a mess for the Halloween companies.

So what does it all mean? Expect some big sales on Halloween merchandise right now, and clearance sales starting November 1st, and next year expect lower prices on 2012 merchandise and a big hesitancy to invest heavily in 2013 merchandise.

And expect to see supermarkets discounting Halloween candy. Fortunately, we don't have to wait a whole year to eat Halloween candy! :D

So Halloween 2013 could be a scary proposition for businesses next year too.