Authored by Jeremy Lott via The Epoch Times,
Halloween numbers show that "Boo!" is big business in America.
Consumer spending on the holiday is expected to reach about $13.5 billion in 2026, according to a survey conducted by the National Retail Federation.
Candy is the most popular purchase to give to costumed trick-or-treaters who roam the neighborhoods. Most consumers surveyed said they collectively plan to buy $4.1 billion worth of sweets.
Decorations are expected to cost people about $4.3 billion on top of that. Pumpkin sales alone are expected to top $700 million.
Fewer folks said they will buy costumes than candy or decorations, but they also expect to spend more on costumes, about $4.4 billion total.
Greeting cards were also expected to see a bump in the night in sales, with about $800 million in expected purchases.
Many businesses stand to benefit, including grocers, drug stores and other retailers.
Spirit Halloween is a seasonal pop-up chain that opens every year to meet people's costume needs. It opened more than 1,500 temporary storefronts throughout the United States and Canada this year and employed more than 50,000 seasonal workers.
All of these businesses are benefiting from a spooky trend. Halloween gained more popularity during the COVID-19 lockdowns by offering Americans a community activity to do safely outdoors. For one night, masks were seen as fun decorations, not medical necessities.
Halloween's
