Newark, NJ – As Halloween approaches, the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs has been conducting inspections of temporary “pop-up” Halloween stores to ensure compliance with state laws aimed at protecting consumers from fraud and deception. The inspections began on September 20 and have covered numerous temporary retail outlets across the state that appear in the weeks leading up to Halloween.
With Halloween ranking as the second-largest shopping holiday of the year, consumers are expected to spend $11.6 billion nationwide on costumes, decorations, candy, and other items, according to the National Retail Federation. Much of this spending occurs at pop-up stores, which occupy rented commercial spaces for a limited time before vanishing soon after the holiday.
Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin emphasized that these stores are held to the same consumer protection standards as traditional retailers. The compliance inspections aimed to verify that merchandise was properly priced, return policies were posted, and credit card surcharge fees were disclosed in accordance with the state’s Consumer Fraud Act. Additionally, the Division’s Office of Weights and Measures checked for price accuracy at the register.
The inspections revealed a high level of compliance, with no violations found under the Consumer Fraud Act. Out of more than 1,400 items scanned, only two pricing discrepancies were discovered, resulting in warnings issued to the stores.
Acting Director of the Division, Cari Fais, assured consumers they could shop confidently this Halloween, but she also cautioned them about the temporary nature of pop-up stores. Shoppers were encouraged to inquire about the store’s closure date, understand return policies, and save receipts for possible disputes. Additionally, consumers were advised to inspect costumes carefully before purchasing and consider shopping at stores with a history of returning annually.
The Division’s efforts reflect a proactive approach to consumer protection, ensuring a fair and transparent shopping experience for New Jersey residents during the Halloween season.
