WASHINGTON — Americans will have spent an estimated $7 billion this year on Halloween costumes, candy, decorations and greeting cards this year – a staggering number but 14.2 percent less than last year’s $8.2 billion outlay, according to a survey from the National Retail Federation.
The average Halloween reveler will spend a total of $75.03 for the Oct. 31 holiday, down 79 cents from last year. The largest spending category, costumes, which includes those for adults, children and pets, accounts for a total of $2.59 billion
Americans will have spent nearly $7 billion in 2013 on Halloween costumes, candy, decorations and greeting cards. This total spending has jumped nearly 136 percent since 2003. Katie Peralta/Medill
But the survey also found the most popular way to celebrate Halloween is by simply handing out candy to trick or treaters.
Spending in that category, the second largest, amounted to $2.08 billion and kicked off the three months of indulgence that is the holiday season.
“Halloween opens up fall slash holiday season,” said Bernard Pacyniak, editor-in-chief of the trade publication Candy Industry. “The winter holiday, beginning with Thanksgiving, is one of the biggest seasons for confectioners.”
Chocolate is the most popular Halloween candy, constituting 72 percent of total category spending, a recent study from the National Confectioners Association found. The industry has seen an upswing in mini offerings, Pacyniak said, which is ideal for trick-or-treating.
“Taking popular candy bars and chocolates and making them into small bites is good for portion control and sharing,” he said.
The most popular candy brands, in order, are Kit Kat, Hershey’s, Snickers, M&M’s and Reese’s, according to data earlier this month from 24/7 Wall Street.