The Australian Retailers Association’s (ARA) have confirmed that many popular retailers are seeing increased sales of up to 20 per cent on Halloween merchandise, with department stores selling hundreds of thousands of costumes and tens of thousands of decorations so far.
Supermarkets are also reporting a 25 per cent increase in pumpkin sales in the lead up to the spooky season.
For costumes, the ARA predicts that youngsters are dressing up as Spiderman, ghosts and princesses, while the top costume categories of choice for adults are witches, vampires and cats.
ARA CEO Paul Zahra said Halloween began as a Celtic festival and has since grown to a global phenomenon and significant retail event.
“It’s also a fantastic day for families and friends to come together to celebrate,” Zahra said. “We know many parents enjoy trick or treating with their children, while adults get into the spirit by dressing up and hosting themed parties.”
Australian retailers are expected to reap from a $450 million sugar hit in Halloween spending this year, with 38 per cent of Australians stocking up on candy for trick or treaters, while 37 per cent will also be buying Halloween costumes, and 32 per cent will be buying home décor.
Just over one in five Australians (21 per cent) say they are planning to celebrate, and of those participating, each person will spend an average of $93.
Fewer than one in five Australians (18 per cent) will be attending or hosting parties this year.
Australians aged 35-59 are the most likely to celebrate Halloween (34 per cent) followed closely by under 35s (25 per cent).