1 in 5 US Shoppers Will Finance Halloween Spending

Halloween spending in the United States is projected to reach significant levels, with one in five shoppers planning to utilize financing options to manage costs. A survey of 1,500 U.S. consumers conducted by Deloitte, a professional services network, indicates that the average consumer will spend approximately $285 on the holiday. Of this total, $219 is allocated to retail purchases, and an additional $66 is designated for experiences. The majority of Halloween shopping is expected to occur in physical stores, with 67% of consumers indicating they will shop in person, while 33% plan to shop online. Consumers anticipate spending the most at mass merchants or big box stores, supermarkets or grocery stores, and specialty Halloween stores. These expenditures cover a range of items, including costumes, decorations, and candy, all of which contribute to the overall holiday cost. For a substantial portion of consumers, this year's Halloween spending will exceed that of the previous year. Specifically, 34% of those surveyed plan to spend more than they did in 2025, contrasting with only 11% who expect to spend less. The increased spending is not necessarily indicative of consumers finding the holiday affordable; rather, only 71% of respondents stated they can comfortably afford their planned Halloween expenditures, while nearly a third anticipate struggling with the costs. These findings align with previous research from Bain & Company, a management consulting firm, which projected a 4.5% year-over-year growth in retail sales for November and December, potentially surpassing $1 trillion for the first time. Bain & Company also noted that inflation is a significant driver, accounting for more than half of this projected spending increase. The financial pressure from inflation is a likely factor contributing to consumers' reliance on financing for holiday purchases, including Halloween. The Deloitte survey highlights that 20% of U.S. consumers intend to use buy now, pay later services or other financing methods to fund their Halloween celebrations, ensuring their festivities are as vibrant as their decorated pumpkins. This reliance on financing underscores the growing challenge consumers face in managing discretionary spending amidst persistent inflationary pressures.