Halloween spending up slightly this year
October 30, 2014
More than two-thirds of those celebrating Halloween will buy Halloween costumes for the holiday, according to National Retail Federation’s survey. That’s the most in the survey’s 11-year history.
The average person will spend $77.52 this Halloween, compared to $75.03 last year. Total spending on Halloween this year will reach $7.4 billion.
“There’s no question that the variety of adult, child, and even pet costumes now available has driven the demand and popularity of Halloween among consumers of all ages,” said federation CEO Matthew Shay.
Consumers will spend $2.8 billion on costumes – $1.1 billion on children’s costumes, and $1.4 billion on adult costumes. In addition, Americans will spend $350 million on costumes for their pets.
About $2 billion will be spend on decorations.
Planned activities are: handing out candy, 71.1 percent: decorating homes and yards, 46.7 percent; and dressing in costumes, 45.8 percent. One-third of Americans will give a party or attend one, up from last year’s 30.9 percent.
Like last year, consumers began shopping early. Nearly one-third of celebrants said they’ll start their Halloween shopping before the first of October. And, while 43.3 percent of celebrants start shopping in the first two weeks of October, one-quarter will wait until the last minute and shop the last two weeks of October.
For inspiration, Americans will look online, 34.2 percent; visit a retail store or costume shop, 33 percent; and go to Pinterest, 11.4, up from 9.3 percent last year.
Nearly two in five said they’d utilize their creative skills and make their own costumes rather than buying a new one this Halloween to save money.
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