New Jersey's Division of Consumer Affairs is taking steps to ensure that temporary Halloween stores comply with consumer protection laws. With Americans expected to spend over $11.6 billion on Halloween costumes, decorations, and candy this year, much of that money will be spent at pop-up stores that occupy vacant commercial spaces for a few weeks before disappearing.
The state began conducting compliance inspections on September 20, 2024, to ensure that prices are clearly marked on all merchandise and that return/refund policies and credit card surcharge fees are prominently posted, in compliance with New Jersey’s Consumer Fraud Act. Inspectors also checked to ensure the prices displayed for items on the shelves matched the prices the items scanned for at the register, in compliance with the state’s Weights and Measures Act.
According to the New Jersey Office of the Attorney General, of the stores visited during the two-week inspection initiative, investigators found no violations of the Consumer Fraud Act. Of the more than 1,400 items scanned by inspectors, only two pricing discrepancies were found, for which warnings were issued.
Acting Director of the Division of Consumer Affairs, Cari Fais, reassured shoppers, stating, “We invite consumers to shop with confidence this Halloween season knowing we’re looking out for their financial interests.” She also reminded shoppers of the temporary nature of these stores, advising them to be mindful of limited opportunities for returns and refunds.