Survey: Halloween is Back!
Halloween 2020 was the worst of all. We were right in the middle of the pandemic, there was no sign of a vaccine, and trick-or-treaters were robbed. Kids don’t understand “it’s a pandemic, no candy this year.” Well, we know that trick or treating is happening this year, but if you have any trepidation a new survey of more than 8,200 American consumers gives us all some reassurance that Halloween is back.
The National Retail Federation reports that spending for the Halloween holiday will hit over ten billion dollars. Actually, $10.6 billion exceeds last year’s record of $10.1 billion and has finally reached pre-pandemic levels.
Consumers plan to spend an average of 100 bucks for Halloween candy, costumes, decorations and all things fun and spooky, that’s the second-highest amount that’s ever been tracked. 47% of those surveyed started their Halloween shopping in September or even earlier.
Sixty-nine percent of those polled say they are going to celebrate this year; that’s a jump from sixty-five percent in 2021 and on track with the 68% who celebrated in 2019 before COVID.
Sixty-seven percent said they’re handing out candy to trick-or-treaters this year; 51% are decorating, and 47% say they’re dressing up.
One in five are dressing up their pets.
Spending on costumes alone is expected to hit $2.9 billion, which is the highest since 2017. Spending on pet costumes is expected to reach a record $710 million.
The most popular kids’ costume is Spider-Man, with 2.2 million dressing up like Spidey; nearly 2 million will dress up as their favorite princess; 1.6 million will be a witch, and 1.3 million kids will be a ghost. Other superheroes landed fifth on the list.
More than 5.3 million adults say they’ll be a witch; more than 1.7 million will dress as a vampire; more than 1.5 million will be a ghost, and nearly as much will be a pirate. Tying for fifth place: more than 1.2 million adults say they’re going as a cat, and that’s the same number playing a superhero.
For pets, the most popular costumes are a pumpkin, a hot dog, a bat, a bumblebee, and a witch.
So all the heartbreak we suffered just a short couple of years ago no longer is a serious concern this year. The National Retail Foundation President and CEO Matthew Shay said in the article, “Halloween is an exciting time for many families, and that enthusiasm is reflected in the number of Americans who plan to celebrate the holiday this year.” Great news for kids and adults alike.
