Halloween candy sales are off to a slow start this year as U.S. consumers grapple with high living costs and eye-popping chocolate prices. Halloween candy sales fell 6.7% in the month ending Oct. 17 compared to the same period last year, according to NielsenIQ, a market research firm. Chris Costagli, a vice president at NielsenIQ, said high gas prices have worsened Americans’ concerns about affordability, and that’s dampening demand for Halloween treats. But the National Confectioners Association, which represents candy-makers like Mars, says the U.S. is just entering the peak Halloween season and it's optimistic about consumer demand.