There are many ways to find deals on Halloween candy this month at area stores.

The average person will spend $79.82 on candy, decorations and costumes for Halloween, an increase from $72.31 last year, according to the National Retail Federation’s 2012 Halloween consumer spending survey. Total Halloween spending is expected to reach $8 billion, according to the survey.

We asked representatives of retail stores for tips on how to save on Halloween candy at their area locations.

Kroger

• Kroger offers competitive prices on a wide selection of candy. When purchasing candy, pay attention to the price per ounce, not only the price of the bag.

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  Kroger doubles manufacturer coupons of 50 cents or less, up to $1. Kroger accepts any manufacturer coupons for candy and other items.

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  Consider purchasing candy alternatives for trick-or-treaters, such as pre-packaged snacks and Halloween-themed toys.

Walmart

• If you find a lower advertised price on an identical product such as candy at another store, bring it to Walmart, and they will match the price at the register. Go to http://corporate.walmart.com/ad-match-guarantee for more information on this Ad Match policy.

CVS/pharmacy

• CVS/pharmacy will host an in-store Halloween Party from 1 to 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 21, in all CVS/pharmacy stores nationwide. Children who are dressed in costume will receive a Halloween fun pack, with more than $5 of free items inside, plus more than $10 in coupons, including a coupon for $5 off a Hershey’s Snack Size of 19 ounces or larger, and $1 off UNREAL candy.
• When members of the CVS/pharmacy ExtraCare program buy Halloween essentials like candy at CVS/pharmacy, they can earn four percent back in quarterly ExtraBucks Rewards which can be spent like “free CVS money” on most items in-store. Learn more and sign up for the Double Quarterly ExtraBucks Rewards promotion by going to this website: http://bit.ly/PrSO8H.

Walgreens

• Save on candy and other items at Walgreens by becoming a Balance Rewards member. Members of this loyalty program receive the sale prices on items and earn points that can be redeemed for almost anything in-store or online. Customers can become a Balance Rewards member in stores, and online at walgreens.com/balance
• Walgreens offers Instant Value Coupons, which are available in-store and provide savings on items including candy at the point of purchase.

Meijer

• Beginning on Sunday, Oct. 21, Meijer will run specials on all Hershey, Mars and Nestle Snack Size candy. Each type of candy will be priced at four bags for $10.
• Meijer will offer mPerks Coupons on candy this month for Meijer mPerks customers. They can buy four bags of candy, and will get $1 off their total purchase. For more information, go to meijer.com,

Target

• Shop with a Target REDcard to receive five percent off an entire purchase. For more information, go to http://www.target.com/redcard/main.
• Target is selling $14.99 and $19.99 large bags of candy.
• Purchase more than 20 novelty candy items for $1 each, including Reese’s Pieces Cane, Butterfinger Pumpkin and M&M’s Theater Boxes.