Halloween Spending

Americans Are Expected To Spend $9 Billion On Halloween This Year 

Niall McCarthy

Across America, revelers are gearing up for Halloween by purchasing spooky costumes, carving pumpkins and stocking up on candy. All of the preparation, trick-or-treating and partying comes at a price and the fright factor isn't just confined to Halloween. Some people have the real-life horror of hefty credit card bills later in autumn, well after their Halloween spending splurge. Nevertheless, Halloween is beloved across the United States and this year, 70% of people plan to participate in the festivities, according to the National Retail Federation.


Halloween always provides a major boost for American retailers and total spending this year is expected to be $9.0 billion, a slight decline on last year's $9.1 billion. The average person is expected to spend $87, with most shopping taking place in discount stores, specialty Halloween or costume stores and department stores. Just under a quarter of Americans will make their spooky purchases online this year.

Handing out candy will be the most popular way people celebrate Halloween in 2018, followed by decorating and dressing in costume. 45% of Americans will carve a pumpkin while 30% will brave the chilly autumn evening to go trick-or-treating. The most popular costumes among children this year are going to be the princess, superhero and batman. Among adults, witch is at the top of the costume list, followed by vampire and zombie. Don't forget all of the four-legged celebrants either! Pets have always been an important part of Halloween and this year, their owners plan to dress them up in a range of costumes such as pumpkins, hot dogs and bumble bees.