• by Sarah Mahoney  @mahoney_sarah, October 1, 2009

It may be the aftertaste from "Twilight." A survey released by the National Retail Federation reports that vampires jumped into the No. 2 spot, from No. 3 last year. Nurses, on the other hand, fell from No. 5 last year to No. 13. Witches continue to reign supreme in the No. 1 position, with 18.1% of adults saying they plan to don a pointy hat and do a little cackling.

The retail trade group estimates that 33.4% of Americans -- including 47 million adults and 58 million children -- will dress up for the holiday, down a bit from 35.3% last year.

For kids, the NRF reports that princesses still rule: an estimated 4.5 million little girls will take to the streets in pink dresses and tiaras. Witches come in second, and about an estimated 2 million will grab a broomstick. And an estimated 1.2 million kids will be webslinging in Spider-Man suits. Pirates rank No. 4, followed by pumpkins, vampires, Disney Princesses, Star Wars-related characters, Tinker Bell, and Batman.

Dressing up pets continues to be a big deal to many consumers, and this year, the NRF expects the No. 1 costume to be a pumpkin, followed by devils, bowties and fancy collars, witches, super dog or super cat, princess, bat, dog, angel and bee. Petco, for example, has already kicked off its "Calling all monsters" contest, asking customers to submit a photo and an essay to win prizes.

For marketers, however, the emphasis is likely to be less on greasepaint and glitter and more on sales and coupons. The NRF survey also found that as many as 17% of consumers were planning to make rather than buy a costume, while 16% were just going to wear last year's.

Sears' Totally Ghoul Web site, offered through both its Sears and Kmart sites, is already offering 25% off all costumes and décor.