Halloween Spending Statistics 2024: Insights and Trends
As Halloween approaches in 2024, the excitement surrounding this beloved holiday is palpable, especially in the United States, where it ranks as the seventh most celebrated holiday in terms of consumer spending. Americans are projected to spend a staggering $15 billion on Halloween festivities this year, reflecting a 22.95% increase from the previous year’s spending of $12.2 billion. This accounts for approximately 1.26% of the total holiday spending, which is expected to reach $964.4 billion.
In this article, we delve into the latest Halloween spending statistics, exploring consumer behaviors, demographics, and spending trends to provide a comprehensive overview of how Americans are preparing for this festive season.
Overview of Halloween Spending in 2024
Key Statistics
- Total Expenditure: $15 billion (projected)
- Average Spending per Shopper: $108.24 (expected to rise to $115)
- Costumes: $4.1 billion (33.6% of total spending)
- Decorations: $3.9 billion
- Candy: $3.6 billion
- Greeting Cards: $0.5 billion
A majority of consumers (approximately 70%) plan to celebrate Halloween with family and friends, and over half are looking to increase their spending compared to previous years. This growing enthusiasm suggests that retailers can capitalize on this trend by enhancing their offerings.
Breakdown of Spending by Category
Halloween spending can be divided into key categories, including costumes, decorations, and candy.
- Costumes: This category leads the way with $4.1 billion, driven by a wide variety of choices ranging from traditional to trendy outfits.
- Decorations: With a projected spending of $3.9 billion, consumers are eager to adorn their homes with festive decor.
- Candy: Around $3.6 billion is expected to be spent on treats, with Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups consistently ranking as the most popular choice.
Demographics of Halloween Shoppers
The demographics of Halloween shoppers reveal intriguing trends regarding gender and age.
Gender Insights
Research shows that women are generally more excited about celebrating Halloween than men. However, men tend to spend more. Key statistics include:
- Celebration Plans: 91% of women versus 86% of men plan to celebrate.
- Spending Intentions: 39% of women consider Halloween an essential shopping period compared to 34% of men.
Here’s a closer look at average spending by gender:
| Spending Amount | Men | Women |
|---|---|---|
| $0 | 10% | 9% |
| $1 – $100 | 27% | 33% |
| $101 – $250 | 26% | 28% |
| $251 – $500 | 18% | 17% |
| $501 – $750 | 9% | 6% |
| $751 – $1000 | 4% | 3.5% |
| $1000+ | 6% | 3.5% |
Age Group Trends
Age also plays a significant role in Halloween spending. Enthusiasm varies across different generations:
- Gen Z and Millennials: Over 90% of these groups express excitement about Halloween spending.
- Gen X and Baby Boomers: 83% of Gen X and 67% of Baby Boomers also plan to participate.
Here’s a breakdown of spending by age group:
| Age Group | $0 | $1 – $100 | $101 – $250 | $251 – $500 | $501 – $750 | $751 – $1000 | $1000+ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gen Z | 7% | 32% | 26% | 17% | 8% | 5% | 5% |
| Millennials | 5% | 28% | 30% | 20% | 8% | 4% | 4% |
| Gen X | 11% | 36% | 27% | 15% | 6% | 3% | 2% |
| Baby Boomers | 23% | 47% | 19% | 8% | 8% | 2% | 0% |
Shopping Preferences and Behaviors
As Halloween approaches, consumer shopping behaviors indicate a mix of traditional and modern approaches.
Preferred Shopping Channels
Despite the growth of online shopping, a significant number of consumers still prefer to shop in physical stores. The preferred shopping channels for Halloween in 2024 are:
| Shopping Method | Percentage of Shoppers |
|---|---|
| In-store Purchases | 68% |
| Online Purchases | 65% |
| Buy Online, Pick Up in Store | 31% |
Interestingly, about 28.55% of shoppers start their Halloween shopping in September, while 15.78% begin in early October.
Retail Preferences
When it comes to where Americans shop for Halloween discount and specialty stores are at the forefront:
| Retail Store Type | Percentage of Shoppers |
|---|---|
| Discount Stores | 40% |
| Specialty Costume Stores | 39% |
| Grocery Stores | 28% |
| Big Box Stores (Target, Walmart) | 39% |
Candy Spending Insights
Candy remains a staple of Halloween celebrations, and spending in this category is expected to rise significantly in 2024.
Candy Expenditure Trends
- In 2023, Americans spent $3.6 billion on candy, a 16.13% increase from the previous year.
- It is projected that candy spending will surpass $4 billion in 2024.
Popular Halloween Candies
Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups continue to reign as the favorite Halloween candy across the nation, with notable sales figures:
- California alone purchased over 1.2 million pounds of Reese’s last Halloween, illustrating its popularity.
Top 10 Halloween Candies
- Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups
- Peanut M&M’s
- Regular M&M’s
- Tootsie Pops
- Twizzlers
- Hershey’s Milk Chocolate
- Sour Patch Kids
- Candy Corn
- KitKat
- Starburst
Costume Spending Statistics
Costumes are another key area of Halloween spending, with consumers expected to spend more in 2024.
Costume Expenditure Overview
- In 2023, $4.1 billion was spent on costumes, up 13.89% from the previous year.
- Spending is projected to reach $4.5 billion in 2024.
Average Spending on Costumes
An average American spends around $36.84 on Halloween costumes, accounting for roughly one-third of their overall Halloween budget. Online shopping remains a popular choice, with 61% of shoppers preferring to buy from Amazon.
Popular Costume Choices
The most popular costumes for adults in 2024 are expected to include:
- Witch
- Vampire
- Barbie
- Batman
- Cat
For children, popular choices include:
- Spiderman
- Princess
- Ghost
- Superhero
- Witch
Decoration Spending Insights
Decorations play a significant role in Halloween festivities, with spending continuing to rise.
Decoration Expenditure Overview
- In 2023, Americans spent $3.9 billion on decorations, with expectations to cross $4 billion in 2024.
Average Spending on Decorations
On average, consumers are projected to spend $34.76 on Halloween decorations, making up about 32% of their total Halloween budget.
Popular Decoration Sources
The leading sources for Halloween decorations are:
| Source of Decorations | Percentage of Shoppers |
|---|---|
| Big Box Stores (Target, Walmart) | 54% |
| Amazon | 51% |
| Discount Stores | 24% |
Conclusion
Halloween spending in the United States has shown a remarkable upward trend, with consumers eagerly preparing to surpass the $15 billion mark in 2024. With 70% of Americans planning to celebrate this year, there is significant potential for retailers to capitalize on growing consumer enthusiasm.
As shoppers seek unique costumes, decorations, and candy, businesses must develop strategies to attract consumers and enhance their shopping experiences. By understanding these spending patterns and preferences, retailers can tailor their offerings to meet the demands of a diverse and excited customer base this Halloween season.
