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Facts: U.S. Census Bureau. Photos: Flickr Creative Commons.
The National Confectioners Association expects candy sales to increase 1.8 percent this Halloween, despite the ailing economy. Susan Fussell Whiteside, vice president of communications for the association, outlines three reasons why.
“First of all, we were in a terrible place with our economy at this time last year. It was September 18, 2008 when the Federal Reserve noticed the massive money-market fund withdraws that contributed to bringing our financial system to the edge of collapse and led to the federal bailouts. We were also headed into the presidential election. No one knew what the next year would bring. However, despite those rather turbulent economic conditions, Halloween candy sales experienced a marginal increase– about half a percent over Halloween 2007.
As the year went on, sales grew even stronger. Confectionery sales in the U.S. have increased 3 percent in the past year, very normal sales growth for the industry. At a time when other industries have seen declines, the candy industry experienced typical sales growth. This is probably because candy and chocolate are the ultimate affordable luxuries– a little piece of happiness for less than $1. It’s hard to beat the feel-good nature of candy.
Finally, Halloween falls on a Saturday this year. In my opinion– and I’ve been tracking Halloween trends for 11 years now– that means more people will be celebrating. More people will be home to give candy to trick-or-treaters, more community centers, commercial operations and churches will host gatherings during daylight hours and more adults will celebrate with nighttime parties.”
–Susan Fussell Whiteside
Vice President of Communications, National Confectioners Association