Halloween comes but once a year, every October 31st. Even though it is a single day, it is nonetheless responsible for a great deal of consumer spending on everything from costumes and makeup to candy and party supplies to (of course) pumpkins.
Based on the Keynesian school of economic thought, major spending holidays can have significant and positive short-term benefits for the economy by encouraging extra purchases that might not otherwise occur. Indeed, according to the National Retail Federation (NRF), in 2021, Americans spent a record $10 billion on Halloween, the second biggest retail event of the year.
Let’s see how this all adds up.
Key Takeaways
- Halloween is the second-biggest retail holiday in the U.S., behind only Christmas.
- Americans spent more than $10.14 billion on Halloween in 2021, setting a record.
- Economists are split on whether that spending is good or bad for the economy.
- Some argue that Halloween spending diverts resources that would be better spent on longer-term, more productive economic activity.
- While others argue that Halloween spending is inefficient at satisfying consumer wants, thus spurring more spending overall, causing the economy to grow.
The Economy’s Impact on Halloween Spending
It could be argued that the state of the economy affects the Halloween industry more than Halloween affects the state of the economy. In a down economy, for instance, consumers may be less likely to spend on frivolous goods such as costumes, candy, pumpkins, and home decorations.
With significant inflation throughout much of 2022 and lingering concerns about a recession, it’s possible that Halloween 2022 spending will be somewhat depressed. Still, despite the COVID19 pandemic being in full-force, 2021 raked in a record amount of Halloween cash, spending more than $10 billion, $3 billion of that on Halloween candy and $3.32 billion on costumes.
Many economists believe the increase in spending around Halloween has a positive effect on the economy. Increased spending generally leads to higher gross domestic product (GDP), helping to jump-start economic activity and lead to potential job growth.
It is entirely possible, however, that the net positive effects of Halloween consumer spending are offset by net negative effects elsewhere. For example, some consumers might anticipate an increase in spending around late October and, to compensate, increase their savings during the preceding months. This could lead to reduced gross spending during August and September. Others might curb their spending in November, both to compensate for increased spending for Halloween and in expectation of Christmas spending.
Employment and Commercial Activity
Halloween also has a seasonal impact on employment and commercial activity. The NRF expected that nearly two-thirds (65%) of consumers would celebrate the holiday in 2021, each spending an average of about $102.74 on items, costumes, and candy. That marked the first time that average spending on Halloween had moved above $100. For those interested in how the spending is broken down, in 2021 consumers were expected to spend $3.3 billion on costumes, $3 billion on candy, $3.2 billion on decorations, and $700 million on greeting cards.
Many retail stores open up only for Halloween and, when November arrives, these shops close up and wait patiently for the next season. Some industries expect and plan for large increases during the holiday, including pumpkin growers and candy production companies.
Special Considerations
Some economists argue spending on seasonal consumer goods such as costumes and decorations diverts resources from more productive activities because they are only used for one day of the year. If people save less as a result of holiday spending, the total capital investment stock is worse for it. The receipts of companies that employ people full-time year-round may also drop because more dollars are chasing seasonal goods.
Others have argued Halloween is full of payments-in-kind (PIKs), such as costumes or candy, rather than lump-sum transfers, such as cash, and that in-kind payments are more inefficient in satisfying consumer wants. After all, you can buy whatever you really value most with cash, whereas it is unlikely that your candy bar is your most valued good.
How Much Money Is spent on Halloween?
According to data from the National Retail Federation, Americans spent upwards of $10.1 billion in preparation for and on Halloween 2021—on costumes, candy, decorations, greeting cards, and more.
Why Is Halloween Such a Big Business?
There are many factors contributing to the significant amount of money that Americans spend preparing for Halloween each year. First, Halloween is a well-known and beloved holiday celebrated across the United States and not particular to any region, religious group, or other demographic. Second, Halloween is typically associated with the purchase of many consumer goods, including costumes, candy, and decorations. Finally, the nature of Halloween means that families celebrating will likely have to make many new purchases each year—of larger costumes as children grow bigger, of new candy, and so on.
What Age Group Spends the Most on Halloween?
According to data from the National Retail Federation, for Halloween 2021 survey respondents in the 35-44 age group reported spending an average of $149.34 on Halloween, outspending all other age groups (the overall average was around $103 per person). Respondents in the 25-34 age group were most likely to plan to celebrate Halloween, with 82% of participants in that group indicating plans to celebrate.
When Does Halloween Holiday Shopping Begin?
In a national survey, 45% of consumers shopped for Halloween in September 2021 or earlier. 39% waited until October.
The Bottom Line
Economist Jeffrey A. Tucker argued in his 2009 article for the Ludwig von Mises Institute that Halloween teaches valuable economic lessons that could have very long-term benefits: children should work for their rewards, bartering is an option, and appearance matters. But the most accurate answer is probably this one: Halloween is a substantial industry with a significant impact on the U.S. economy. For now, it is still very difficult to identify exactly what that impact is and whether it is a net positive.