‘Whether it’s picking out the perfect costume, stocking up on candy or finding the finishing touches for a Halloween gathering, retailers offer plenty of ways to get into the spirit.’
The post Floridians already stocking up for Halloween as spending ticks up nationally appeared first on Florida Politics – Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government..
—
Halloween is still a month away, but shoppers are already gearing up for the holiday.
The National Retail Federation (NRF) estimates about half of consumers nationwide started their Halloween shopping in September or earlier, with average per-person spending rising to $115.14 — up 69 cents from $114.45 in 2025.
“There are no tricks, but plenty of treats this Halloween,” said Scott Shalley, President and CEO of the Florida Retail Federation (FRF). “Whether it’s picking out the perfect costume, stocking up on candy or finding the finishing touches for a Halloween gathering, retailers offer plenty of ways to get into the spirit of the season.”
The FRF is using the season to promote its “Find it in Florida” campaign, encouraging residents to shop at in-state retailers rather than out-of-state online sellers.
In all, the NRF estimates about $13.5 billion will collectively be spent on Halloween merchandise this year. That would exceed last year’s record level of Halloween-related purchases, which amounted to $13.1 billion.
Out of those consumers buying Halloween goods early, about 23% say they’re getting the jump on spooky purchases to help spread out their budgets.
Another 39% of shoppers say they’ll buy Halloween goods at discount stores, 32% say they’ll make purchases at costume stores and 27% plan to make purchases for the season online.
Meanwhile, the NRF anticipates this year’s Halloween consumer season to be a robust one overall. Some 74% of consumers across the country are expected to get into the holiday spirit, according to the organization’s survey of shoppers.
That means the majority of Americans will take part in some way in Halloween either by dressing up in costumes, taking part in activities such as handing out candy, crafting or carving pumpkins.
About 96% say they’ll purchase some sort of candy. Another 78% will put up decorations and 71% will buy costumes.
The most popular costumes this year for children will likely be some superhero getup. Spider-Man and Batman are among the top costume picks, according to the NRF. But traditional costumes such as witches, ghosts and princesses will remain among the most popular disguises.
The post Floridians already stocking up for Halloween as spending ticks up nationally appeared first on Florida Politics – Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government..
