NRF Forecasts $13.5 Billion in 2026 Halloween Spending

The National Retail Federation forecasts that U.S. Halloween spending will reach $13.5 billion in 2026, up from $13.1 billion last year, as candy prices rise faster than overall consumer prices. The projection is an estimate, not a final tally of what Americans spend during the season. The federation estimates average spending at $115.14 per person, just 69 cents more than in 2025. Its survey found that 74% of consumers planned to celebrate Halloween, compared with 73% the year before. The survey of 7,889 consumers was conducted September 19, 2026, by Prosper Insights & Analytics. The NRF projects $4.1 billion will go toward candy, $4.4 billion toward costumes and $4.3 billion toward decorations. The estimates come as prices for sweets rise: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data show candy and gum prices increased 7.7% in the 12 months through September 2026, while overall consumer prices rose 3.7% over the same period. A separate retail price analysis found that an average full-price bag of assorted Halloween candy containing 100 pieces cost $16.96 in 2026. That was 3.5% above 2025 and 71% higher than in 2021, according to FinanceBuzz. The analysis measured retail prices for...