1/2 0ff Card Shop Becomes Major Player in Halloween Retail

SOUTHFIELD, Mich., Oct. 7 /PRNewswire/ -- One year after grossing $580,000 in Halloween costumes sales in only ten stores, the 1/2 Off Card Shop has expanded its costume and party supply merchandise to 28 stores and expects $2 million in sales.

"Halloween has become a huge industry with consumers spending $2.5 billion on related items in 1996 alone," said Leonard Zucker, chairman and chief executive officer of 1/2 Off Card Shop. "With a majority of our stores now carrying a full line of Halloween costumes, accessories and party supplies, we're looking to help satisfy this incredible consumer demand."

The discount retailer's approach to Halloween is decidedly family and safety oriented. Of the hundreds of costumes available for children and adults, only a few have scary themes. In addition, the chain will offer safety items beginning October 20. These include 29 cent reflector necklaces, 49 cent glow-in-the-dark buckets and, with no purchase necessary, customers will receive free trick-or-treat bags and safety tips.

"We believe that most families are moving away from the gory and violent Halloween themes to a much more wholesome approach," said Tom Lenkevich, president of 1/2 Off Card Shop.

Some of the expected Halloween costume favorites this year include M&M's, Hershey Kiss, "Angelica" from Rug Rats, Batman, witches, ghosts and the Grim Reaper. All will be available at 1/2 0ff's trademark discount prices.

The 1/2 0ff Card Shop was founded in 1985 by Bill Zucker, son Leonard and nephew Steven. It specializes in high-quality greeting cards at half price, discounted party supplies and gifts. Over the past 12 years, it has opened 28 stores in Michigan, 13 stores in Ohio and employs more than 500 people chainwide. For more information, contact Leonard Zucker at 248-358-9300.

SOURCE 1/2 Off Card Shop

    -0-                             10/07/97

/CONTACT: Lisa Viselli or Jennifer Delle-Monache of Hermanoff and Associates, 313-964-6644/

CO: 1/2 Off Card Shop ST: Michigan IN: REA SU:

TM -- DETU016 -- 0544 10/07/97 11:16 EDT http://www.prnewswire.com