A new survey by The National Retail Federation reveals that Halloween spending is expected to reach $13.5 billion. Other findings:
- 74% of consumers are planning to celebrate Halloween. Shoppers expect to spend an average of $115.14 per person, while 49% started Halloween shopping in September or earlier.
- Candy is the most popular purchase, with 96% planning to buy sweets.
- 71% of people will buy a Halloween costume
- Nearly half of consumers plan to use artificial intelligence tools for Halloween shopping.
- Discount stores are the top Halloween shopping destination at 39%, followed by specialty Halloween or costume stores at 32%.
- Among pet costumes, pumpkins are the most popular choice at 11.6%, followed by hot dogs at 5.9% and ghosts at 2.8%.