Business of Fear 2011 - Special Report

Don't Be Scared Off by the Business of Fear

People like to be scared, and are willing to pay for it. From literature to film to theme parks, fear sells, and tens of millions of Americans plunk down billions of dollars annually, especially this time of year. A look at the psychology of fear and the money that goes into giving consumers the chills and thrills they crave.

Halloween Pop-Up Stores No Trick for Mall Landlords
Seasonal retailers specializing in holiday merchandise provide landlords with much-needed traffic and revenue.
Scary Hopes For Sustainable Enviornmental Future
Here are five of the scariest things on earth, according to former California EPA Secretary and CNBC.com guest blogger, Terry Tamminen.

Horror Movies Scream For Sequels
Jason and Freddy and Jigsaw, oh my! Hollywood's iconic creepy characters are the thrill that keep on giving.
A Taste of Gross Halloween Candy
Chocolate candy bars are for wimps. Scorpion lollipops, giant gummy rats, and zombie blood are good enough to eat for trick-or-treaters.
A Ghostly Home Tour
These residences may not be haunted, but we dare you to spend the night in any of these creepy homes.
Creepy, Crawly, Squirmy Jobs
If you like to go into dark holes or surround yourself with slimy bugs, you might be interested in learning a new career.

POLL: Which Industry is Most Aggressive About Exploiting Consumer Fears?

Whether it's a politican claiming his opponent will increase taxes or a service that promises to protect its users from harm, consumers are presented with a daily barrage of scary scenarios.

Consumer Nation
More on Halloween and holiday spending.

Costume Ideas

Trendiest Halloween Costumes
Charlie Sheen may be off the air, but he's on a lot of Halloween costume lists.
Halloween Costumes for Kids and Pets
Video game characters and monster mash-ups are big for the little set this year.

| Terms of Service | Independent Programming Report