It’s expected that over 5.3 million Australians will be celebrating Halloween this year, and spending forecasts are tipped to reach $490 million, which is up 14% ($60 million) from 2022.
The Australian Retailers Association (ARA) have conducted research in collaboration with Roy Morgan which reveals Halloween is continuing to gain traction with 300,000 more Aussies planning to celebrate this year.
These Aussies plan to do so in multiple ways, including attending/hosting Halloween parties, decorating homes, getting dressed up and going out, or staying home to welcome trick or treaters.
This joint research revealed the following:
- Average spending for this year is predicted to be $93 per person, up $7 (8.1%) from last year.
- Most are planning to celebrate by buying a Halloween costume (49% of respondents), trick or treating (45%), stock piling on lollies and chocolate (39%), and decorating their home (36%).
- Those aged between 35 and 49 are most likely to celebrate (40%, up 3% compared to last year, equaling 2.1 million people (up 190,000).
- Almost 2.1 million Aussies aged between 18 and 34 will also be celebrating (34%).
- 620,000 people aged between 50 and 64 (13%), and 430,000 aged 65+ (9%) will celebrate this year.
Paul Zahra, ARA CEO said the increased spending despite cost of living pressures showcases the growing popularity of the holiday in Australia, especially with adults.
“Halloween is now a global phenomenon and is increasingly becoming a cherished Aussie tradition. It’s a fantastic opportunity for families to have fun and get creative – to go costume shopping, give the home an eery makeover or host a party.”
“It’s a welcome break from routine and a chance to get together with friends and loved ones to do something fun. Retailers are also coming to the party with themed windows and store displays as part of a big promotional push in the lead up to October 31.”
“Halloween is a great chance for Australians to let their hair down and partake in some spooky silliness during this challenging economic period. It’s also important for retailers to build sales momentum in the run up to Christmas.”
As the tradition continues gaining traction in AUS, the US are anticipating a $12.2 billion spending record, according to sources.
“Halloween is obviously a big deal in the United States – historically tied to the arrival of Irish immigrants bringing the tradition with them in the 1800s. It is increasingly cementing its place in Australian culture due to its pop culture prominence.
See below some of the top anticipated costumes for this year:
This survey was conducted with an Australian-wide cross-section on September 15th.
