Despite the sluggish economy, the National Retail Federation is predicting Halloween spending will reach $5.07 billion this year. According to  this MediaPost article, that means the average consumer will spend $64.82 on the holiday compared to $59.06 last year. "As news about the economy floods the airwaves, many Americans want to take a break from reality to have a bit of fun," researchers for the NRF report. Aside from the Halloween staples of costumes and candy, consumers are spending more money on home décor for the spooky holiday.

And, according to the National Confectioners Association, Halloween has also evolved into the "meet and greet holiday of the year," giving Americans the perfect excuse to meet their neighbors. They report that roughly 63 percent of consumers say socializing and handing out candy are their favorite holiday traditions.

The Better Business Bureau is searching for businesses with a strong sense of accountability and responsibility to enter their 2008 International Torch Awards for Marketplace Excellence. "Businesses who have worked to uphold the trust and respect of their customers, employees, vendors, shareholders and communities are encouraged to enter this competition," said Steve Cole, president and CEO of the Council of Better Business Bureaus.

The winning biz will be recognized at a gala event at the National Press Club in Washington D.C. in April. To enter, there is a $75 fee, in addition to the completion of an entry packet. Entries must be received by November 1.

If you've found yourself in a creative slump when it comes to your marketing approach, check out this video news feature by marketing guru Martin Lindstrom. According to Lindstrom, it's all about thinking differently. One example he mentions is a promotion for Spider-Man 3 that involved mounting plastic replica urinals 10-feet high in men's rooms to show that Spider-Man can climb above the crowds. Here are the three top tips Lindstrom suggests you follow when trying to take your marketing outside the box:

• Use media in untraditional ways.
• Link your brand's story to the medium.
• Do more with less--cut your marketing budget.

In addition to the Spider-Man promotion, be sure to catch another stand-out campaign by Absolut Vodka in Lindstrom's video.

For advertisers, it's the perfect way to reach a key, rather affluent demographic. But for golfers, it could be seen as an annoying distraction. ABC has reached a four-year agreement with ProLink Solutions to reserve screen space inside golf carts at some 400 courses. The static ads will cover a quarter of the 10-inch screen and display as the carts move from tee to green. Upon arrival, the screen expands into a full-screen placement. Ads can be customized by hole depending on the product being promoted.

Golf carts are the latest in a string of out-of-home ad locations sought by local stations, including grocery stores, taxis and gas stations. Also, be sure to read 5 New Places to Advertise, where we highlight advertisements on golf cart wheels.