Spider-Man, Scooby-Doo and the Osbournes are hot for this Halloween, thanks to their high-profile movie and TV tie-ins during the past year.

Area costume retailers say those characters are among the most popular costumes shoppers are buying. Among other Halloween shopping trends they're seeing:

• For little tykes, Spongebob Squarepants continues to be a hot character. His costume comes in an adult version, too, says Philip Morris, president of Charlotte-based Morris Costumes. But when it comes to Harry Potter characters, despite the anticipation of a second movie in the popular series, those costumes are SO last year.

• For both children and families, there's been surprising enthusiasm for dressing like Raggedy Ann and Raggedy Andy. Morris credits nostalgia. "That's what Halloween is all about," he said.

• Goodwill reports October is the strongest month of sales for area thrift shops, as customers of all ages go there in search of outfits including the Blues Brothers, prom-queen Carrie and Marilyn Manson-esque Goths.

• Party City says customers love their new costumes honoring spaced-out rocker Ozzy Osbourne and his bright-haired daughter Kelly, subjects of a hit reality-TV series. Patriotic costumes including the Statue of Liberty, NYPD, firefighters and George Washington are also popular, says Chad Levine, director of store operations for the Carolinas. The hot party accessories there are skull-shaped platters, trays, beer mugs and shot glasses.

• Garden Ridge reports shoppers are as enthusiastic as ever about buying Halloween decorations for their houses and yards. Scarecrows continue to be a popular seller, and relatively new decorations -- 5-foot-tall inflatable Frankensteins and pumpkins-- are also selling well, says Pineville store manager Jeff Dixon. (A second Charlotte-area Garden Ridge has opened near Concord Mills and plans an official grand opening Friday).

Briefly

MOVE: Home-decor store Crazy Jane's recently relocated from East Boulevard to the heart of South End. They're in a 2,400-square-foot space in a renovated building at 1817 Hawkins Street, in a district crammed with other design firms. L.D.

SWEATER SOURCE: The limited-edition Michael Simon sweaters, knit tops and ornaments that benefit breast cancer research are also available at Impressions of Pineville. (704) 889-5239. CRYSTAL DEMPSEY

OPENINGS: I.C. London's grand opening at the Arboretum ends today. Also, the 10th anniversary sale ends today at the Dilworth store, 1419 East Blvd., Suite F.... A White House/Black Market opened Oct. 5 at Birkdale Village, (704) 895-6561. The store will mark its grand opening with charity benefit in November. There's also a WH/BM at SouthPark. C.D.

SALES: Carolina Clay Matters' fall pottery sale is 10 a.m.- 4p.m. today at the Oasis Shriners Temple, 605 Doug Mayes Blvd. ... Rebecca's Urban Garden, 1432 W. Morehead St., is having a pre-holiday clearance with up to 40 percent off. ...Urban Evolution's Nudity Prevention Sale (giggle) runs through Oct. 19. Get up to 75 percent off selected items. 1500 Central Ave. C.D.