Stock 'n Save helps Chicago shoppers beat 7.7% candy price jump

Candy prices in the Chicago region rose by 7.7% over the past year. This increase is more than four times the rate of general grocery inflation, which stood at 1.8% during the same period. An analysis by the ABC7 Data Team confirmed these figures as Halloween shopping ramps up.

Robert Smith, responsible for purchasing treats for a party at Westinghouse High School, reported that 10 bags of candy cost him $85. He called the total ridiculous given his limited budget. Smith found a solution at Stock 'n Save, a public wholesaler located in Hermosa. The store is also hosting a free community Halloween party this Saturday.

Mo Fattah, a representative of the family-owned Stock 'n Save, stated that the business is absorbing higher costs to keep prices low. He noted that the store relies on high customer volume to manage these expenses. "It's been tough. Even if the cost on us increases, we try to reduce that as much as we can," Fattah said.

Rob Karr, president and CEO of the Illinois Retail Merchants Association, said retailers are balancing the need to remain open with the need to recover costs. He described the current market conditions as a real struggle for business owners trying to keep customers happy.

Costs are not limited to sweets. Marisa Ikpoh, founder of The Give and Receive, said buying four new costumes for her daughters creates a heavy financial burden. To address this, her organization is hosting a pop-up costume swap called the Boo-tique at the 36th Ward Office on Friday.

The event allows families to trade used costumes instead of buying new ones. Ikpoh said the initiative aims to build community support for parents who cannot afford new outfits. Organizers will also accept costume donations after Halloween for next year's swap. More information is available at thegivenreceive.org.