Halloween by the numbers

Halloween is upon us once again. And it’s not just a night for ghosts and goblins and tricks or treats, but it’s a night worth billions of dollars to businesses across the country. Here are some stats about Halloween showing that the best treat is all that cash going into companies’ bank accounts:

• According to the National Retail Federation’s annual survey, total spending for Halloween is expected to reach $9 billion this year.
• That’s down just a smidge from 2017’s Halloween spending at $9.1 billion.
• 175 million Americans are planning to take part in Halloween festivities this year.
• Each of those people is planning to spend an average of $86.79 on Halloween. That’s up from last year’s $86.13 per person.
• $3.2 billion will be spent on costumes.
• $2.7 billion on Halloween decorations.
• $2.6 billion on candy.
• $400 million on Halloween greeting cards.
• For costumes and other Halloween supplies, 45% of shoppers will visit discount stores while 35% will go to a specialty Halloween store or costume store.

Other stats:

• 3.8 million children plan to dress as their favorite princess character.
• 2.5 million children plan to dress as their favorite superhero.
• 1.9 million children plan to dress as their favorite Star Wars characters.
• 48% of adults who celebrate Halloween in some way plans to dress up, with witch, vampire, and zombie being their top three costumes of choice.
• And pets can’t escape their owner’s love of Halloween either: 18% of adults who celebrate Halloween plan to dress their pets up, with pumpkin, hot dog, and bumblebee being their top three costumes of choice.

Apply to the Most Innovative Companies Awards and be recognized as an organization driving the world forward through innovation. Final deadline: Friday, October 4.