Halloween to deliver a $430m boo-st for Aussie retailers

Australians are set to spend $430 million on costumes, tricks and treats this Halloween - with one in four planning on celebrating the spooky American tradition.

This is translating into a boon for those that sell costumes, decorations, and candy according to new research from the Australian Retailers Association (ARA) in collaboration with Roy Morgan, released today.

The research is the organisation’s first annual survey of Halloween intentions, with Australians indicating they’ll be celebrating the 31st of October in a variety of ways, including attending or hosting a Halloween themed party, decorating their homes, getting dressed up or welcoming trick or treaters.

Per the research which surveyed 2,853 Australians aged 18 and over, five million Australians plan on celebrating Halloween this year, with spending to reach $430 million for an average amount of $86 per person.

Those aged 35-49 are the most likely to be celebrating this year (at 37 per cent of respondents), just ahead of those aged 18-34 (32 per cent).

One in five people (20 per cent) who will celebrate Halloween say they will hold or attend a party without children, indicating hospitality venues and alcohol retailers are likely to receive flow-on effects on Halloween weekend.

ARA CEO Paul Zahra said Halloween continues to grow in popularity in Australia and retailers are promoting it in a big way.

“Halloween is growing in status as an Aussie tradition and has become a highly anticipated seasonal event for many retailers. Businesses are coming to the party with themed windows and store displays as part of big promotional push in the lead up to October 31,” Zahra said.

“Consumers are forecast to spend $430 million on their Halloween celebrations, stocking up on food and sweets and purchasing costumes and decorations. Some families go above and beyond with lighting and decorative efforts around their homes, while hospitality venues also get involved with Halloween themed food and cocktails.

“Halloween is a great time to celebrate some spooky silliness and with five million Australians expected to do so this year, the event will help build sales momentum for retailers in the run up to Christmas.”