PC: Fox 11 Online
FOX VALLEY (WTAQ-WLUK) — Halloween is less than a week away. Are you ready for the tricks and treats?
According to the National Retail Federation, a record number of people will be participating in Halloween-related activities. Because of that, total Halloween spending is also expected to reach a record number.
Total Halloween spending is expected to reach $12.2 billion, exceeding last year’s record of $10.6 billion.
“This year about 73% of U.S. adults plan to celebrate the holiday,” said Katherine Cullen, Vice President of Industry and Consumer Insights with the NRF. “Whether that’s handing out candy, decorating their home or yard or dressing up in costume.”
Per person spending is also up. Consumers plan to spend a record $108.24 each, a jump from the previous record of $102.74 in 2021.
“For many consumers, nearly half in fact, they will start their shopping and spending before October,” said Cullen.
The greatest increase in spending came from costumes, which are more popular than ever.
“My daughter’s going to be Cindy Lou Who from the Grinch and then my son’s going to be the Grinch,” said Katie Diedrick, a Kimberly resident.
Diedrick says in total she spent $70 for her kids costumes.
“I pretty much bought his costume the way it is but hers I bought separately to make it because it was cheaper that way, so I probably would’ve spent almost $100 if I didn’t,” she said.
The top way people are planning to celebrate Halloween is by handing out candy. Halloween candy spending is expected to reach $3.6 billion, up from $3.1 billion last year. But the price of Halloween candy is also 13% higher this year compared to last, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor.
“One bag is at least $20 and it’s just ridiculous, we bought two of them,” said Diedrick. “That’s almost $50 just for a couple of hours.”
Halloween decorations grew in popularity during the pandemic, and continue to be one of the most popular purchases. Of those celebrating Halloween, more than three quarters plan to buy decorations this year.
“Consumers say they will spend a total of $3.9 billion dollars this year,” said Cullen when talking about Halloween decorations.
Discount stores remain the top destination for Halloween shopping. Followed by specialty Halloween stores, and online.
Want to read the NRF’s full report on Halloween spending? Click here.
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