Halloween season is here and consumers are feeling more festive than ever.
According to a new report from the National Retail Federation, Americans are expected to spend a record amount on the holiday.
Total Halloween spending is expected to reach a record $12.2 billion, exceeding last year's record of $10.6 billion, according to the NRF's annual survey, conducted by Prosper Insights & Analytics.
"More Americans than ever will be reaching into their wallets and spending a record amount of money to celebrate Halloween this year," NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay said in a statement. "Retailers are prepared with the inventory to help customers and their families take part in this popular and fun tradition."
Per person spending is also up this year as consumers plan to spend a record $108.24 each, up from the previous record of $102.74 in 2021, according to the survey.
The greatest increase in spending comes from costumes: 69% of those celebrating Halloween plan to buy costumes -- the highest in the survey's history. Total spending on costumes is expected to reach a record $4.1 billion, up from $3.6 billion in 2022. Spending on adult costumes is expected to increase 18% over last year, while spending on children's costumes is expected to increase by 20%, per the survey.
Decorations are also another top item among those celebrating Halloween, the survey shows, with 77% planning to purchase some sort of spooky decor. Total spending on decorations is expected to reach $3.9 billion.
Of course, you can't have Halloween without the treats. Candy spending is expected to reach $3.6 billion, up from $3.1 billion last year, according to the survey.
Consumers are shopping around, the survey shows, as discount stores (40%) remain the leading destination to buy Halloween items, followed by specialty Halloween/costume stores (39%) and online (32%).
Since consumers are expected to spend a record amount of money on spooky season, it should come as no surprise that a record number of people (73%) will participate in Halloween-related activities this year, up from 69% in 2022, according to the survey.
Like previous years, the top ways people are planning to celebrate are handing out candy (68%), decorating their home or yard (53%) or dressing in costume (50%), the survey shows. However, in a return to pre-pandemic norms, more people also plan to throw or attend a party (32%) or take their children trick-or-treating (28%).