Shoppers Give Retailers A Sweet Halloween Treat

Projections are for a sweet Halloween for retailers across the United States this year.

Americans are likely to spend a record 9.1 billion dollars on Halloween-related purchases, according to an estimate released by the National Retail Federation and Prosper Insights and Analytics. Consumers are expected to spend $3.4 billion on costumes, $2.7 billion on candy, $2.7 billion on decorations and about $300 million on other related-items.

Americans are anticipated to spend an average of $86 each this haunting season. If projections prove accurate, 2017 spending will be an 8.3 percent increase from last year. In 2016, consumers spent a then-record $8.4 billion. The previous high was $8 billion in 2012.

The number of people celebrating Halloween this year is also expected to be a record-setter. Approximately 179 million Americans will participate in Halloween activities in 2017. The previous record was 171 million last year, passing the 2012 mark of 170 million.

Traditionally Christmas and Thanksgiving top holiday spending annually. Winter holidays, including Thanksgiving Day, lead the way WITH $796 per person. Mothers’ Day seconds the list with $186, Easter comes in at $152, Valentine’s Day is $137. Americans average $135 for Fathers’ Day, $73 for Independence Day and $38 for St. Patrick’s Day festivities.