Halloween spending is expected to reach $9 billion, according to the National Retail Federation’s annual survey conducted by Prosper Insights & Analytics. The total is the second-highest in the survey’s 14-year history and is relatively the same as last year’s record of $9.1 billion.
Those who will celebrate are planning to spend an average of $86.79, up from last year’s $86.13, with more than 175 million Americans planning to partake in Halloween festivities this year. Greeting trick-or-treaters is the No. 1 way to celebrate Halloween, as 70 percent plan to hand out candy. In addition, 45 percent will carve a pumpkin and 30 percent will take their children trick-or-treating. For buying costumes and other Halloween supplies, 45 percent of shoppers will visit discount stores, 35 percent will go to a specialty Halloween store or costume store, 25 percent will visit department stores, 24 percent will buy online, and 24 percent in grocery/supermarket stores.