Halloween Spending Trends 2024: Shocking Surge in Spooky Celebrations

Halloween is just around the corner. And as we get closer, the National Retail Federation dropped data on Halloween Spending Trends 2024. And with the normal flurry of excitement and spending, we’re seeing some interesting shifts in how people are approaching their Halloween purchases. Americans plan to spend $11.6 billion on Halloween this year, which is slightly less than last year’s record-setting $12.2 billion. This small dip doesn’t mean the spooky spirit is fading, though.

People are shopping smarter and earlier for their Halloween goodies. Many are starting their Halloween shopping sooner to spread out costs and snag the best deals. Costumes, decorations, and candy remain the top items on shopping lists. Despite tighter budgets, folks are finding creative ways to celebrate without breaking the bank.

Key Takeaways on Halloween Spending Trends 2024

• Halloween spending in 2024 is expected to reach $11.6 billion
• Consumers are shopping earlier and smarter due to budget concerns
• Costumes, decorations, and candy continue to be the most popular Halloween purchases

Halloween’s Economic Impact

Halloween has a big effect on the U.S. economy. People spend a lot of money on costumes, candy, and decorations. Let’s look at how much they’re spending this year and what experts say about it.

Assessing the Rise in Spending

Halloween spending has gone up over the years. In 2024, Americans plan to spend $11.6 billion on Halloween. This is a bit less than last year’s record of $12.2 billion.

Why the change? Some people are worried about money. About 20% of shoppers say inflation and recession fears will affect how much they spend on Halloween.

Even with these worries, people still want to celebrate. Many are just being smarter about how they shop. They’re looking for deals and starting their shopping earlier.

Insights from the National Retail Federation

The National Retail Federation (NRF) gives us key info about Halloween spending trends in 2024. They say 47% of people are shopping earlier this year. This helps spread out costs.

The NRF also found that 59% of Halloween shoppers plan to buy less due to tight budgets. But it’s not all bad news. Spending is still way above what it was before the pandemic.

People are finding ways to enjoy Halloween on a budget. They might make their own costumes or reuse decorations from past years. This shows that Halloween is still important to many Americans, even when money is tight.

Consumer Behavior and Spending Habits

Halloween shoppers are changing their habits in 2024. We’ve seen new trends in who’s buying, when they shop, and how much they spend.

Demographics of Halloween Shoppers

The 25-34 age group leads Halloween spending this year. Young adults and families with kids are the biggest buyers. They’re getting costumes, decorations, and candy.

Millennials and Gen Z are into DIY costumes and decorations. Older shoppers focus more on candy for trick-or-treaters.

People without kids still join in. They buy decorations and costumes for pets. Halloween parties are popular for all ages.

Early Shopping Patterns

Many Halloween shoppers start early in 2024. Almost half begin in September or earlier. This helps spread out costs and find the best items.

Early birds get first pick of costumes and decor. They also catch sales and avoid last-minute rushes. Some stores put out Halloween stuff in August now.

Online shopping for Halloween grows each year. It lets people compare prices and find unique items. But in-store shopping is still big for trying on costumes and picking candy.

Popular Purchases and Spending Averages

Halloween shopping covers costumes, decorations, candy, and party supplies. Americans plan to spend a lot in 2024, but a bit less than last year. Let’s look at where people are putting their money.

Costume Trends and Investment

Costumes remain a big part of Halloween spending. Adults, kids, and even pets are getting dressed up. We expect costume spending to hit $3.8 billion this year.

Adult costumes are very popular. Many people like to match with friends or make their own unique outfits. Pet costumes are also on the rise. More people want to include their furry friends in the fun.

The average person plans to spend about $35 on costumes. Some go all out with fancy outfits, while others keep it simple. DIY costumes are a trend for those watching their budgets.

Home Decoration Outlays

Halloween decor is a big deal for many. We predict decoration spending will reach $3.8 billion in 2024. People love to make their homes spooky and festive.

Popular items include:

• Fake cobwebs
• Carved pumpkins
• Spooky lights
• Inflatable yard decorations

The average household plans to spend around $40 on decorations. Some go all out with haunted house setups, while others stick to a few pumpkins and some lights.

Cards and Party Supplies

Cards and party supplies are smaller parts of Halloween spending, but still important. Greeting cards are expected to bring in $0.5 billion this year.

People buy cards to send to friends or hand out with candy. Party supplies like plates, cups, and banners are popular for Halloween gatherings.

The average person spends about $5-10 on cards and party items. It’s a small part of the budget, but adds up across the country.

Candy is the biggest party supply. We expect candy spending to hit $3.5 billion. The average household plans to spend about $32 on treats to hand out or enjoy.

Retail and Shopping Channels

Halloween shoppers are using a mix of online and in-store options to find the best deals. Discount stores are gaining popularity for Halloween purchases.

Brick-and-Mortar Vs. Online

We’re seeing a shift in how people buy Halloween items. Many shoppers now start their Halloween shopping early online. They browse for ideas and compare prices. But they still like to visit stores too.

In-store shopping lets people touch and try on costumes. It’s fun to see decorations in person. Some stores, like Spirit Halloween, offer a spooky experience.

Online shopping is growing fast. It’s easy to find unique items and read reviews. Many sites offer free shipping to compete with stores.

We expect a mix of online and in-store shopping this year. Smart shoppers use both to get the best deals and selection.

Popularity of Discount Stores

Discount stores are becoming Halloween hotspots. They offer low prices on costumes, candy, and decor. This is great for budget-conscious shoppers.

We’ve noticed more people going to dollar stores and big discount chains. These stores stock up on Halloween items early. They often have good deals on basics like candy and simple costumes.

Discount stores are helping keep Halloween spending steady. Even with high prices in other areas, people can still celebrate without breaking the bank.

Many discount stores now offer online shopping too. This gives shoppers more ways to save on Halloween goodies.

Festivities and Activities

Halloween brings fun and spooky traditions. People join in parties, go trick-or-treating, and take part in other festive activities.

Party Planning and Attendance

Halloween parties are a big hit in 2024. We see many people hosting gatherings at home. Guests dress up in creative costumes and play themed games.

Popular party foods include:

• Candy apples
• Pumpkin-shaped cookies
• “Witch’s brew” punch

Some folks rent spaces for bigger bashes. These often have live music or DJs. Photo booths are common for capturing fun memories.

Party games like bobbing for apples remain classics. New trends include Halloween-themed escape rooms and virtual reality haunted houses.

Trick-or-Treating Customs

Trick-or-treating is still a key part of Halloween fun. Kids dress up and go door-to-door for candy. Many adults join in too, often with their own kids or pets.

Some neighborhoods go all out with decorations. Houses compete for the spookiest setup. Treats have changed a bit. More people give out:

• Small toys
• Stickers
• Allergy-friendly snacks

Part of that is the Teal Pumpkin Project. They encourage people to have non-food treats available so kids with allergy concerns can feel safe. They offer a map with homes that pledge to provide treats that won’t cause an allergic reaction. Likewise signs are available.

Safety is a big focus. Many towns set specific hours for trick-or-treating. Some areas host trunk-or-treat events in parking lots as a safer option.

We notice more homes using contactless candy chutes or tables. This trend started during COVID-19 but has stuck around in some places.

Looking Ahead

Halloween spending trends are always changing. We expect to see new ideas and practices in the coming years. Let’s explore what might be in store for future Halloweens.

Predictions for Future Halloweens

We think Halloween will keep growing in popularity. More people may celebrate it in different countries. Costume trends will likely follow popular movies and TV shows. We expect to see more high-tech decorations, like holograms and interactive displays.

Online shopping for Halloween items will probably increase. Stores might offer more personalized costume options. Virtual Halloween parties could become more common. This would let people celebrate from anywhere.

We predict candy makers will create new flavors and healthier options. Haunted houses might use virtual reality to make scarier experiences. Halloween-themed escape rooms could also become a big trend.

Sustainable Halloween Practices

We’re seeing a shift towards eco-friendly Halloween celebrations. Many people are trying to reduce waste and be kinder to the planet.

Some ideas for a greener Halloween include:

• Using LED lights for decorations
• Making costumes from recycled materials
• Buying second-hand costumes or swapping with friends
• Choosing candy with less packaging
• Using real pumpkins for decor and then composting them

We expect more Halloween-themed products made from sustainable materials. Stores might offer more rentable costumes to cut down on waste. Some communities are starting Halloween costume libraries where people can borrow outfits.

Trick-or-treating might change too. Some areas are trying “reverse trick-or-treating” where kids give to charity instead of getting candy. This helps teach about giving back while still having fun.

Frequently Asked Questions

Halloween spending trends in 2024 show some changes from past years. We’ve gathered key info on costumes, budgets, popular items, and shopping habits.