Looks like Halloween could get a little more expensive this year. Thanks to new tariffs, the price of costumes, candy, and even decorations might creep up—kind of spooky for your wallet.
But here’s the twist: people aren’t slowing down. The National Retail Federation says Americans are set to spend a record $13.1 billion on Halloween this year, up from \$12.2 billion last year. Shoppers are just being more strategic—hitting discount stores and stretching their budgets where they can.
For small businesses, though, it’s a tougher story. Derek Kennedy, who runs Magic etc Ft Worth Costume Inc. in Texas, says tariffs are driving up costs—sometimes by as much as 19% on imported costumes. Shipping is slower, wholesale prices are higher, and he’s had to decide whether to pass those increases on to customers.
In many cases, Kennedy says he’s eating the cost to keep prices steady for loyal shoppers. But on certain items, like fog machines, it’s impossible. A machine that was $58 last year is now $74.
And it’s not just costumes. Candy prices have jumped, too. A bag of fun-size chocolate bars is about $5 more than last year, snack-sized packs are up $2, and a box of full-size bars that cost $40 now runs over $50.
So whether you’re buying candy for trick-or-treaters or gearing up in costume yourself, expect to feel a little pinch this spooky season. Photo by Thomas Bresson., Wikimedia commons.
