This Halloween, Americans are putting their money where the monsters are. The National Retail Federation projects a record $13.1 billion in spending this year, the highest ever for the holiday.
LSU retail expert Dan Rice says there’s more than one reason behind the big bucks.
“No doubt tariffs have played their part, many of the items we need for the perfect haunt are imported, and that’s driving prices up.”
But it’s not just economics, it's emotion. Rice says the spike in spending also reflects a little retail therapy.
“One of the ways we get over everyday stressors is to go big for holidays, and this year, that might include Halloween.”
From elaborate yard displays to costumes that turn heads, Rice says consumers are channeling stress into celebration, making this year’s spooky season bigger, brighter, and maybe a little pricier.
Still, he says you can keep things festive without frightening your bank account.
“Look in several places, even thrift stores can offer scary clothing at a decent price, and when it comes to candy, shop sales, consider off-brands or smaller sizes, and know your regular prices so you can spot a real deal.”
So whether you’re haunting the aisles or crafting a costume from scratch, this Halloween, the only thing scarier than the ghouls might be the receipt.