The National Research Federation has estimated that Halloween spending is expected to reach $12.2 billion, exceeding last year’s record of $10.6 billion.
According to the NRF’s annual survey conducted by Prosper Insights & Analytics, a record number of people – 73% – will participate in Halloween activities this year, up from 69% in 2022.
NRF president and ceo, Matthew Shay, said: “More Americans than ever will be reaching into their wallets and spending a record amount of money to celebrate Halloween this year. Consumers will be shopping early for festive decor and other related items and retailers are prepared with the inventory to help customers and their families take part in this popular and fun tradition.”
Like previous years, the cHowever, in a return to pre-pandemic norms, more consumers also plan to throw or attend a party (32%), or take their children trick or treating (28%).
Spending per person is also up, as consumers plan to spend a record $108.24 each. The greatest increase in spending came from costumes, which are more popular than ever.
69% of those celebrating plan to buy costumes, up from 67% last year and the highest in the history of the survey. Total spending on costumes is expected to reach a record $4.1 billion, up from $3.6 billion in 2022.
Spending on decorations is expected to reach $3.9 billion, up from $3.1 billion last year. Discount stores remain the leading destination to buy Halloween items, with 40% planning to shop there, followed by speciality Halloween/costume stores (39%) and online (32%).
Spending on adult costumes is expected to increase 18% over last year to $2 billion and spending on children’s costumes is expected to increase by 20% over 2022 to $1.4 billion.
The top costumes for children for Halloween 2023 are:
- Spiderman
- Princess
- Ghost
- Superhero
- Witch
- Batman
- Barbie
- Zombie
- Mario
- Wednesday Addams
The top costumes for adults for Halloween 2023 are:
- Witch
- Vampire
- Barbie
- Batman
- Cat
- Zombie
- Pirate
- Princess
- Ghost
- Spiderman
