Report: Higher Prices Haunt Halloween Shoppers
New York City Halloween shopping is taking a scary turn as candy and costume-accessories prices spiked compared to last year, according to The Nielsen Co.
Costume hair coloring is the highest price culprit, as products average $4.42, an increase of $2.46, or 126% compared to a year ago.
Candy sales also increased, with average candy sales hitting $3.59. Although prices were up only $0.10, this represents a 2.9% increase.
Chocolate-candy sales however, hit an average of $4.22, up $0.17 from last year. This is an increase of 4.2% compared to 2007.
These increases are not expected to scare people away from giving out candy this Halloween. In fact, between early October and Halloween, weekly candy sales more than double. Sales are expected to reach $436 million, with the most candy sales occurring on Oct. 28.
“For many consumers, the most frightening part of Halloween may be higher prices” said Tom Pirovano, director of industry insights, The Nielsen Co. “That said, few parents will deny their children the fun of dressing up and trick-or-treating, so we expect sales to remain strong.”