It’s not yet October, but Halloween is already upon us. Whether it’s because consumers are looking forward to the changing leaves, excited for spooky season or just getting ahead on shopping, preparations for Halloween are underway.
This year, more consumers are getting a head start on their shopping than ever before, with 49% saying they will begin shopping for Halloween before October. The “Halloween hype” didn’t happen this early in the past — 10 years ago, only 34% of consumers said they started shopping before October.
More 18- to 24-year-old early shoppers say they look forward to fall or that Halloween is one of their favorite holidays, and they plan accordingly. Their early Halloween shopping isn’t about “impulse purchases,” but rather intentional planning ahead. These youngers shoppers are much more likely than other early shoppers to say they’re avoiding the stress of last-minute shopping or planning out their costumes or décor.
For more on how consumers are celebrating — and shopping for — Halloween this year, check out NRF’s Halloween headquarters. And make sure to keep an eye out for next week’s “countdown to Halloween” blog post to learn all about how consumers are decorating for the holiday.
