Ghosts, goblins, and ghouls may be frightening, but what Americans spend on Halloween could be even scarier. Consumers in the United States spent a record $12.2 billion in 2023, after spending $10.6 billion on Halloween in 2022, according to the National Retail Federation (NRF). In 2024, they will spend an estimated $11.6 billion, stopping short of 2023's record.

These figures are the results of an NRF survey conducted in early September 2024 (Sept. 3 to 8) of 7,945 participants who shared their Halloween plans.

Halloween Spending

About three in four (72%) of consumers in the United States plan on celebrating Halloween in 2024, which is roughly the same as in 2023 (73%). Abou✃t two in three people (67%), plan to hand out candy, and about half (52%) plan toꦯ decorate their home or yard. About the same number (49%) plan to get a costume. A little less (43%) plan to carve a pumpkin, and even less (29%) plan to throw or attend a Halloween party.

At $11.6 billion, 2024's spending on Halloween is expected to be slightly less than 2023, with consumers spending:

• $3.8 billion for costumes
• $3.5 billion for candy
• $3.8 billion for decorations
• $0.5 billion for greeting cards

A🔯t $12.2 billion, 2023 was a record-setting year for Hallo🍒ween celebrations, with consumers spending:

• $4.1 billion for costumes
• $3.6 billion for candy
• $3.9 billion for decorations
• $0.5 billion for greeting cards
  
  

Halloween Trends

For 2023, one-third of Americans surveyed planned to attend or host a Halloween party. This number solidifies the shift back to in-person festivities following the COVID-19 pandemic. About the same number plan to attend or host a Halloween party in 2024, though it is slightly less (29%).

More than a third of consumers (37%) buy their Halloween 🐭items at discount stores. Others shop at specialty Halloween stores (33%) and online (33%)🧔.  

The most popular costumes for th♔e season are witches, vampires, cats, pirates, and Batman fo♎r adults and ghosts, witches, princesses, and superheroes (e.g. Spider-Man) for children.

In 2024, many people are looking online to choose their costumes. This follows a years-long trend. In 2022, over 50% of Americans aged 18-24 searched online for costume ideas, with over 30% of searches through TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram. Other sources of inspiration include specialty Halloween shops and family and friends.

Pet costumes remained trendy for 2024. The most popular costumes are a pumpkin, a hot dog, a bat, a bumblebee, a ghost, and a spider.

Early Shopping

In 2024, almost half of shoppers started buying Halloween items before October, the NRF found. This is more than five years prior, when about 37% of shoppers started buying Halloween items before October, and it is still higher than a decade prior (32%). Many people decide to shop e♈arly 🧸because they enjoy looking forward to the fall season, they want to avoid the stress of last-minute shopping, and because Halloween is one of their favorite holidays. Early shopping is most popular among the 25-34 age group: over half (56%) of this age group start shopping for Halloween before October.

Tips for Saving Money

Though Halloween can be expensive, there are ways for consumers to avoid 澳洲幸运5官方开奖结果体彩网:overspending while still enjoying the festivities. Some of the best ways to 澳洲幸运5官方开奖结果体彩网:save money on Halloween include:

• Hand-made costumes
• Purchasing candy in bulk at warehouse clubs
• Making decorations from low-cost supplies or items around the house
• Shopping thrift stores or surplus stores to find inexpensive costume and decor materials
• Enjoying free community Halloween events
• Party hosts can encourage guests to bring snacks or drinks to share

The Bottom Line

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Halloween spending waned as festivities and gatherings were curtailed. Spending rebounded in 2022, with Americans spending over $10 billion on costumes, candy, and parties. It ballooned to record numbers in 2023, to $12.2 billion. In 2024, Americans plan to spend slightly less on Halloween, though the number is still substantial: $11.6 billion.