Spending by Americans on Halloween, which is celebrated on October 31, this year will decrease from last year’s all-time high, according to the results of the annual survey of the National Retail Federation (NRF).
Total spending is expected to reach $11.6 billion this year, up from $12.2 billion in 2023.
72% of respondents plan to participate in the Halloween celebration compared to a record 73% a year earlier. At the same time, consumers say they plan to spend an average of $103.63 on the holiday, which is lower than last year’s $108.24, which was also the highest during the reporting period, according to the NRF.
A significant share of spending will fall on traditional costumes, in addition, adults intend to spend more on clothing for themselves than on clothing for children – $1.8 billion vs. $1.3 billion (in 2023, these indicators were $2 billion and $1.4 billion, respectively ). Americans are ready to spend about $0.7 billion more on costumes for pets, the amount has remained at this level for the fourth year in a row.
The leadership among costumes for adults is still held by witches (5.8 million people) and vampires (3 million), followed by cats (1.6 million), Batman (1.5 million) and pirates (1.4 million ).
Like last year, the preferences of many children are in favor of Spider-Man’s outfit (2.6 million people). Ghost (1.8 million), princess (1.7 million) and witch (1.6 million) costumes are also popular.
Pets are most likely to try on pumpkin (10%), hot dog (6%), bat (4%), ghost, or bumblebee costumes (3% each).
Candy given to children on Halloween will cost Americans $3.5 billion this year. Another $3.8 billion will go to decorating homes for the holiday, and the cost of buying postcards is estimated at $0.5 billion.
Nearly 8,000 Americans took part in the survey, which was conducted by the NRF from September 3 to 8.
