Last year, consumers in the United States expected to spend an all-time high of 12.2 billion U.S. dollars for the Halloween season. In 2024, however, U.S. shoppers were expected to spend about half a billion less. In fact, average spending per person was expected to drop by nearly five dollars when compared to the previous year. Shopping on All Hallows’ Eve From terrifying jack-o’-lanterns and skeleton props to chilling face makeup and treats, there are various items commonly purchased by consumers during the Halloween season. In 2024, Americans were expected to spend a total of nearly four billion U.S. dollars on costumes and outfits alone. Another three and a half billion U.S. dollars was projected to be spent on candy. Trick-or-treat! In 2024, over seven in 10 surveyed individuals in the United States said they would be celebrating Halloween, whether it is in the form of dressing up for a themed party or going out at night to trick-or-treat on or around October 31. When trick-or-treating at night, one never knows what treats one might get (e.g., licorice, chocolate, or maybe even money). But the households that do not offer anything to trick-or-treating souls can sometimes expect mischief to occur on their property.

Sugar-free chocolate was the fastest growing confectionery category in the United States during the 52 weeks ended December 26, 2021, experiencing a 34.3 percent sales growth. In contrast, sales of novelty chocolate products experienced a 3.3 percent decline in sales during that year. In 2021, almost all categories saw an increase with the exception of the already mentioned novelty chocolate and snack sized chocolate.