Halloween spending has returned to pre-pandemic levels according to the National Retail Federation. Halloween spending rose with 69 percent of consumers planning to celebrate this year, up from 65 percent in 2021 and 68 percent in 2019, according to a recent survey by Proper Insights and Analytics. This increased participation is expected to drive Halloween sales up to $10.6 billion in 2022, up from $10.1 billion in 2021. 

“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,” said NRF president and CEO Matthew Shay. “As consumers continue to return to pre-pandemic behaviors, retailers are prepared to meet that demand and help make this holiday a fun and memorable one.”

Consumers are spending their money on traditional Halloween goods, including 67percent on candy, 51 percent on decor, 47 percent on costumes, 44 percent on pumpkins and 28 percent on parties. The survey also found that one in five people plan to dress their pets in a costume too. Parents are ready to shell out big bucks on kids costumes averaging $2.9 billion this year, while pet parents are going to spend approximately $710 million on costumes for their fur babies. 

“Social media is playing an increasingly important role in consumer behavior, and Halloween is no different,” Prosper Insights executive vice president of Strategy Phil Rist said. “Younger consumers, particularly those under the age of 25, will look to platforms like Instagram and TikTok for costume inspiration this year.”

People are relying on the internet for shopping inspiration with 36 percent saying they are getting their ideas online. Twenty-five percent say they are looking in retail stores for ideas and 19 percent are getting inspiration from friends and family. 

Consumers are ready to hit the stores early, with 47 percent reporting they began their shopping in September or earlier. Forty percent of consumers will do their shopping at discount stores, while 36 percent will be doing their shopping in specialty stores. Approximately 31 percent will be doing their shopping for Halloween goods online.