• by Ray Schultz , Columnist, October 30, 2024

There are only hours to go to get out a Halloween email, but there’s no reason to be frightened if you’re already on track. Sales are up, according to data provided by Taboola. 

Consumer interest in the holiday began in August, thanks to Spirit Halloween and Build-A-Bear launching Halloween stores and collections early. And the sad news that "Halloween" actor Charles Cyphers died also drove interest.

Spirit Halloween is seeing an 803% spike in interest, and consignment stores 264%.

In addition, there is a 94% increase in deals as the National Retail Federation (NRF) projects that $3.8 billion will be spent on costumes. 

Taboola’s readership data also shows surging interest in these activities:

• Pumpkin patch: +4,946% 
• Trick or treat: +3,514%
• Halloween decorations: +1,507%
• Ghost tours: +1,216%
• Halloween costumes: +978%
• Haunted house: +529% 
• Halloween party: +100% 

What types of costumes can we expect to see on Thursday? 
Taboola shows a surge in interest in these traditional favorites:  

• Skeleton: +1,002% 
• Witch: +422%
• Spiderman: +179% 
• Clown: +95% 

In September, NRF reported that 47% of consumers began their Halloween shopping before October, versus 37% five years ago. The NRF projects that total Halloween spending will reach $11.6 billion -- down slightly from last year’s record $12.2 billion.