Halloween Spending Hits Record $13 Billion in US
According to a report issued by the National Retail Federation (NRF), Americans are projected to spend a record $13.1 billion on Halloween-related purchases this year, up from $11.6 billion in 2024 and surpassing the prior high of $12.2 billion in 2023.
The survey, conducted by Prosper Insights & Analytics for the NRF between September 2 and 9, canvassed 8,045 consumers and has a margin of error of ±1.1 percentage points.
Breakdown:
- Halloween costumes are expected to account for roughly $4.3 billion of total spending, covering adult, children’s, and pet costumes.
- Halloween decorations are projected at about $4.2 billion, marking growth over previous years.
- Candy spending is forecast at approximately $3.9 billion.
Per-person expenditure is estimated at $114.45, compared with roughly $103.45 in 2024 and $108.24 in 2023 while this year the Gen Z is leading at an average of $622 per person on gothic costumes and decorations spendings.
The NRF report found that 73% of consumers plan to participate in Halloween activities this year, marginally higher than the 72% recorded in 2024.
Despite expectations of higher prices, about 79% of respondents anticipate price increases due to tariffs and consumer engagement remains robust.
Around 49% of shoppers began purchasing Halloween items in September or earlier, indicating an increasing trend toward early buying.
Discount stores remain the most popular purchase venue with 42% of consumers indicating they will shop there.
Spending on Halloween in the U.S. has grown significantly over the past decade: in 2022 the NRF estimated about $10.6 billion, and in 2013 approximately $6.9 billion.
The upward trajectory reflects an expansion beyond costumes into elaborate decorations, pet costumes and themed events.
The increase comes amid inflationary pressure, supply-chain disruptions and higher tariff concerns. According to Barron's report, consumer-facing price increases, for example, in candy manufacturing due to cocoa cost rises, are part of the backdrop to this year’s spending surge.
Retailers have responded by unveiling Halloween merchandise earlier than in previous years and expanding assortments in both physical and online channels.
Reportedly, many retail analysts view this year’s figure as a new benchmark for seasonal consumer spending, underscoring Halloween’s continued role as a key retail calendar event.
The $13.1 billion projection places Halloween spending ahead of many other holidays in terms of single-occasion consumer outlay.
