Halloween 2025 Begins and Results are Not Scary

“Summerween” is a term explored by Retail Next. You’ve probably noticed that Halloween pumpkins rapidly replaced flip-flops as early as July. It’s no wonder. The holiday results in as much as $12B in annual spending, and retailers are looking to get their share of the sales treat bag.

A recent study  (reported in that RetailNext article) revealed this:

“The numbers tell a compelling story: 47% of survey participants are beginning their shopping before October, compared to just 32% a decade ago.”

This writer recently discovered that Spirit Halloween has opened two pop-up retail locations within a two-mile radius, another clear indication that the market exists for costumes, scary home decor, and party accessories. The brand, founded in 1983, now has approximately 1,400 seasonal locations. The concept is a win-win for both Spirit Halloween and today’s landlords, who may find themselves with large vacant spaces.

What are some predictions for Halloween 2025?

• Sales are expected to increase in 2025. (They had dipped to about $12B in 2024.) About 90 percent of consumers plan to celebrate, even including pets in the festivities. In addition to festooning their bodies (and canine and feline bodies), Halloween fans are spending on home decor and parties.
• According to one source, discount stores are the leading destination for buying Halloween items. 37% of consumers will pick Halloween products at discount stores, 33% at specialty costume stores, and 33% will buy costumes online. Although Halloween-specific stores like Spirit Halloween are popular, a wide range of retailers have taken full advantage of the season.
• Influences from popular shows, movies, and TikTok trends are shaping costume choices. Here are the themes predicted to be most popular this year. Despite massive cultural shifts, superheroes seem to be timeless.
• Halloween experiences are on the upswing. The old-fashioned haunted house has been augmented with technology-based frights, and unused spaces and popular attractions alike are seeking ways to deliver memorable seasonal experiences and generate new revenue streams.
• Smart MULO (multi-location) businesses will up their digital marketing game and appeal to shoppers looking for specific costumes, places to celebrate, and sources of those last-minute treats.
• The company Halloween party is probably not as common as it was before the pandemic (although costumed virtual gatherings are a possibility). HR departments may still need to reinforce policies even with online gatherings.

As for this author, I’ll be sporting my ChatGPT costume (which I started wearing a few years ago) and combing through my social media for Halloween-related facts, scares, and experiences.