Halloween has been bigger business this year in Cherokee County.

Along with the traditional big-box retailers, residents had the opportunity to check out two new seasonal stores with costumes, decor and more for the holiday.

At Spirit Halloween in the former Goody's store space at RiverStone Plaza in Canton, sales have been "great," according to owner Donald Brenner.

The store opened the weekend after Labor Day in September and has done consistently well, he said. The chain is operating nine temporary stores across the metro Atlanta area.

"We've had a good year," he said, noting the economic downturn hasn't made an impact on sales.

Brenner equated Halloween with going out to a fancy dinner: it only happens once a year.

At the Canton store, sexy variations on traditional costumes are the leading styles among women and traditional, "funny" costumes are popular among men.

For children, boys tend to like the ninja and "G.I. Joe" costumes, while girls are overwhelmingly going as witches.

Specifically among children, Brenner said he's noticed they are being driven by what they see on television.

Also, children are more eager to pick out costumes earlier than adults, he said.

Spirit Halloween will be open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. today for last-minute shoppers. It will close on Sunday after holding a 50-percent off sale from noon to 6 p.m.

Brenner said whether Spirit Halloween will return to Canton next year will depend on the availability of retail space.

Southern Cherokee County residents no longer have to make the drive to Town Center in Kennesaw to do their Halloween shopping.

Since the second week in September, Halloween USA has occupied the former Hollywood Video space on Highway 92 near Trickum Road.

Elena Rodgers, first assistant store manager, said sales also have gone well there.

"In Woodstock, so many people appreciate us being here instead of going to Town Center," she said.

Every day since opening, the store has averaged between 60 and 80 sales on its three registers.

At her store, boys are going for "Star Wars," "G.I. Joe" and "Transformers" costumes, and girls are sticking to Disney character and Hannah Montana costumes.

Women are choosing racier versions of traditional characters such as Alice in Wonderland and Minnie Mouse, female police officers, the bar maid and flappers.

Men are choosing costumes paying tribute to the late pop icon Michael Jackson, Ms. Rodgers said. Also popular are gangsters, bikers, costumes mimicking 1980s clothing styles and costumes from horror films.

Ms. Rodgers, who said some of her shoppers have spent as much as $5,000, said the store will close on Sunday with a 50-percent off sale from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The store also will be open today from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.

She said she hopes to come back next year, if there is a space for the store.

"It's all about what's available next year," she said.