Stat: Halloween retail to hit record highs, despite tariff concerns

US – Halloween 2025 is set to beat spending records, with consumers projected to spend £9.7bn ($13.1bn, €11.2bn), according to a report by the National Retail Federation (NRF). This marks a sharp rise from £8.6bn ($11.6bn, €9.9bn) in 2024. 

Despite concerns over rising prices linked to tariffs, 73% of consumers plan to celebrate, sustaining last year’s levels. Confectionery remains the most popular purchase, with spending set to hit £2.9bn ($3.9bn, €3.3bn), followed by costumes at £3.2bn ($4.3bn, €3.7bn) and decorations at £3.1bn ($4.2bn, €3.6bn).

Costumes continue to drive cultural trends: 2.3m children will dress as Spider Man, while 5.6m adults will choose a witch outfit. 

Discount stores are set to benefit most, with 42% of shoppers seeking out budget-friendly options, up from 37% in 2024.

In our latest Communities report, The Value Vanguard, we identified emotional spending as a new consumer currency. Halloween’s record-breaking spending illustrates how joy, nostalgia and seasonal rituals can drive engagement even amid economic pressure.