As a chill fills the air and pumpkin spice fills the shelves, Americans eagerly prepare for one of the most anticipated holidays of the fall: Halloween.
Beyond the candy, costumes, and decorations lies a robust network of American entrepreneurs and large-scale manufacturers that make the business of Halloween possible. From coast to coast, the American business community plays a crucial role in creating the magical thrills of a memorable holiday.
The Economic Impact of Halloween
Halloween is more than just a spooky celebration; it’s a monstrous driver of economic growth.
According to the National Retail Federation (NRF), Americans are projected to spend $13.1 billion on Halloween in 2025, up from $11.6 billion last year. NRF also reports that 73% of consumers in the U.S. plan to celebrate Halloween in varied forms.
- 78% of celebrants intend to buy decorations
- 66% plan to hand out candy to trick-or-treaters
- 51% plan to dress in costume
A wide variety of U.S. businesses are behind the rush for Halloween goodies. American consumers plan to shop at:
- Discount stores (42%)
- Online vendors (31%)
- Specialty Halloween stores (31%)
- Grocery stores/supermarkets (25%)
This seasonal boost in sales supports an array of industries, including retail, manufacturing, and logistics, highlighting Halloween's spooktacular impact on the U.S. economy.
Watch: U.S. Chamber Chief Economist Curtis Dubay Discusses the Economic Trends Shaping the 2025 Halloween Season
Terrifying Tariff Impacts
Frightening price increases are creeping into stores this Halloween. NRF reports that 79% of Halloween shoppers anticipate higher prices due to tariffs, making for more tricks and fewer treats. A survey from the Food Institute also reported that 86% of consumers say they’ve noticed candy prices are higher this year than last.
Tariffs amount to a tax on businesses, causing increased prices for consumers and jeopardizing the livelihood of small businesses and manufacturers across the country. This Halloween, beware of the scare of tariffs and watch out for higher prices.
Hauntingly Ahead: Halloween Shopping Begins Before October
The pervasive early shopping trend among American consumers continues, with 49% starting their Halloween shopping before October. That's an increase from 40% just five years ago.
Mars Wrigley reports that on average, consumers are shopping for Halloween candy 3.6 weeks in advance, with Gen Z and Millennials planning much further in advance (4.5 and 4.1 weeks before Halloween, respectively).
Retailers leaned into this year’s “Summerween” trend, with several rolling out themed products during the spring and summer, delighting Gen Z and Millennial customers, who are more likely to celebrate the rising holiday. By July, spooky home decor appeared in some Walmart stores and Target began rolling out thrilling products online as early as May.
Frightful Fashion: What’s Trending for 2025 Halloween Costumes
Costumes continue to drive business during Halloween celebrations, with an estimated $4.3 billion expected to be spent on spooky looks this year.
NRF reports that over half of all Americans are planning to celebrate in costume this Halloween with Spider-Man, witches, and vampire outfits as the most popular choices.
Don’t forget about the furry family members. Consumers plan on spending $860 million on pet costumes, with a pumpkin, hot dog, and bumble bee leading the craze.
While in-store shopping remains the dominant mode for costume purchases, online purchases follow close behind in the rush to dress up for the frightful night.
Ghoulish Goodies: The Sweets that Make Halloween Rememberable
Trick-or-treating and candies continue to drive a scarily sweet Halloween experience for all who celebrate. Even 83% of parents admit that they sneak Halloween treats from their kids.
The National Confectioners Association (NCA) reports that Halloween drove $7.4 billion in confectionery retail sales in 2024. NRF and Mars Wrigley similarly echo candy’s role as the predominant driver in Halloween fun.
- 95% of Americans plan to celebrate with sweets
- Consumers plan to spend $3.9 billion on candy this Halloween
- Chocolates top the Halloween wish list, with 80% of consumers purchasing them, followed by gummy candies, peanut butter, and fruity/sour sweets
With candy being the centerfold in Americans’ Halloween festivities, the confectionary industry remains a key economic powerhouse that delivers a particularly sweet holiday to consumers across the country while boosting jobs, wages, and the economy. NCA reports that one U.S. confectionary job supports eleven other American jobs, and the industry all together contributes $49 billion in economic impact and produces $10.5 billion in wages across the U.S.
The Bottom Line
Halloween is not just a fang-tastic holiday; it’s an economic driver, powering billions of dollars in consumer spending and showcasing the ingenuity of the American business community. Families preparing to celebrate with candy, costumes, and decorations are supported by a dynamic network of businesses that makes “spooky season” possible every year.
As you celebrate with ghouls or enjoy a sweet treat, remember the countless American manufacturers, retailers, and employers working tirelessly behind the scenes to keep the spirit of Halloween alive. Their efforts contribute to a holiday that is as much about economic growth as it is about fun and fright.
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About the author
Curtis Dubay
Curtis Dubay is Chief Economist, Economic Policy Division at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. He heads the Chamber’s research on the U.S. and global economies.
