Consumers are expected to spend a record $13.1 billion this Halloween, according to the National Retail Foundation, between costumes, candy, and greeting cards. But the bulk of the spending will be on candy.

Washington

Americans are projected to spend an average of $890 during the holiday season, with Halloween shoppers budgeting about $114 for decorations, costumes, candy, and greeting cards. The National Retail Federation estimates total Halloween spending will reach a record $13.1 billion, with the majority going toward candy. 

Candy prices have risen, attributed in part to tariffs and inflation, prompting some consumers to seek better value by shopping around, buying in bulk, or choosing smaller sizes. Despite these economic pressures, 84% of households plan to give out candy, and 94% of Americans say they will share chocolate and candy with friends and family. The tradition remains strong, with 83% of parents admitting to taking candy from their children's Halloween collections.

Candy prices on the rise ahead of Halloween

Well, the holiday season is right around the corner now in a few surveys. This one in particular showing Americans are set to break the bank. The National Retail Federation says shoppers will spend an average of $890 this holiday season. This is the second highest average. The agency has recorded only behind last year's number of $902. In total, Americans will spend the bulk of their cash on gifts for family and friends. The rest will be used on seasonal items like food and decorations. But while they're spending more, some Americans believe tariffs are the reason they are paying more. And with Halloween right around the corner this week, not this week, but next week, candy prices are also on the rise. Nate Foy breaks down the numbers for us tonight. Halloween season isn't just spooky, there's also an emphasis on treats over tricks. Candy and chocolate are staples of the holiday. 94% of Americans say that they will share chocolate and candy with friends and family during this time of year. The sweet snagging the top spot for trick-or-treaters is chocolate, according to the National Confectioners Association, followed by gummy candy, candy corn, lollipops, and hard candy. These are small treats, but they have a really big impact. Consumers are expected to spend a record $13.1 billion this spooky season, according to the National Retail Federation. The average Halloween shopper is budgeting about $114 for Halloween decor, costumes, candy, and even greeting cards. That's about $11 more than they planned to spend last year. The bulk of the holiday spending will be on candy. Of the households that will open their doors to costume collectors on Halloween, 84% will be giving away sweets. This despite concerns about candy prices increasing due to tariffs and inflation. We may see shoppers shopping around a little bit more, maybe buying in bulk where they can, maybe looking for smaller sizes, more snackable sizes, and thinking about how to really get value out of those purchases while still being able to have items to hand out when kids are going around trick-or-treating. Still, Americans are not willing to forego the traditional elements of Halloween, and that includes confections. Even in challenging economic times, people are leaving room in their budgets for chocolate and candy. If you are sneaking sweets from your child's Halloween haul, you are certainly not alone. The National Confectioners Association says 83% of parents admit to taking candy from their kids. In New York, Nate Foy, Fox News.

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