Cha-ching is not the sound of ghosts rattling their chains. It’s the sound of cash registers ringing up big-time sales for Halloween, where horrified is glorified.

The National Retail Federation is projecting a record $13.1 billion in Halloween spending this year, up from last year’s $11.6 billion.

The Spirit Halloween store at Lake Square Mall, with daily sales between $2,500 and $3,000, shows exactly why the holiday is so popular.

Yes, there are costumes for the little trick-or-treaters, but most customers on Thursday afternoon were adults — many of them fans of horror movies.

“The ghost masks are very popular,” says employee Demitrius Boyd.

Demetrius Boyd (left) Jordan Hodge (right) at Spirit Halloween in Leesburg. Photo by Frank Stanfield

The masks became famous in the Scream films. Not to be outdone, Michael Myers masks are also top sellers. “Here’s one where he was underwater for a long time,” says manager Jordan Hodge.

One customer, who gave his name only as Dave C., was browsing the store’s 1970s section. “I’m going to a guy’s rock and roll party this weekend,” he says, eyeing a tie-dyed shirt while picking out a peace sign necklace and sunglasses.

Customers are also drawn to their favorite movie characters — Chucky, the Addams Family, Beetlejuice, and others. Mention Alfred Hitchcock’s Psycho and you’ll get a blank stare, especially from Vanessa Hernandez and her young friends, who were searching for outfits for a Halloween party.

There’s even a humor section filled with inflatables, including one that looks like you’re sitting on a toilet.

You’ll also find fake beards and mustaches, angel and devil costumes (sometimes it’s hard to tell them apart), a Hooters waitress outfit, and a “sexy section” complete with fishnet stockings, garters, and other items that could make a stripper blush.

The seasonal store isn’t the only one cashing in on Halloween. Next door, PetSmart sells accessories for dogs and cats — though good luck getting a costume on a squirrelly feline.

Cracker Barrel is also stocked with Halloween décor, while Lowe’s shoppers can find a 10-foot skeleton for $149.99 or the towering 12-foot Immortal Nightstalker for $224.49 — at that price, he’d better be immortal.

You can check them out right at the store’s entrance — if you’re not blinded by the blizzard of Christmas lights, reindeer, Santas, and other blow-ups already replacing summertime barbecue grills.