Halloween Sales on the Rise

New York City, Sale of costumes, candy, decorations and cards are expected to exceed $5 billion this year, according to New York-based Brand Keys, Inc., a customer loyalty research consultancy.

Fueled by warmer weather and earlier availability of Halloween products, 75% of consumers polled reported that they will celebrate Halloween this year, up dramatically from last year in all demographic groups.

The average consumer plans to spend $75 on Halloween, compared to $60 spent last year. In addition, nearly three-quarters of consumers will purchase Halloween decorations, the report said. Overall, retailers around the country are reporting sales increases of 20%, the report said.

"The increases are due to more in-store displays, more and better promotions, and to the fact that Halloween candy was tied in with earlier back-to-school sales,” said Robert Passikoff, Brand Keys president. “The warmer weather didn't hurt either.”

Projected spending for 2007 places Halloween as the sixth-largest spending holiday following these holiday leaders: Christmas/Chanukah/Kwanza; Valentine's Day, Easter, Mother's Day, and Father's Day.