Goodwill’s Annual Survey Uncovers 2023 Halloween Trends

According to a recent survey by Goodwill Industries, more than four in five Americans plan to celebrate Halloween this year, even as current economic conditions will affect how much money they can spend on costumes, decorations, and candy.

The survey found that 84 percent of Americans plan to celebrate Halloween by wearing a costume, attending a party, or hosting trick-or-treaters. That figure is up slightly from last year, when 81 percent of survey respondents said they celebrated the spooky holiday. Yet 77 percent of respondents say that higher prices due to inflation will impact their purchase of Halloween costumes, costume materials, décor, and candy.

“On average, American consumers will spend about $47 per person on Halloween costumes and materials this season,” said Sara Butner, communications manager for Goodwill Industries of Northwest North Carolina. “The good news is that families can get more bang for the buck by creating a Do-It-Yourself (DIY) costume using items from Goodwill stores and other second-hand sources.”

This Halloween, trick-or-treaters can find everything they need to get ready for the big day at a fraction of the price by shopping at Goodwill retail and outlet stores. Shoppers can visit Goodwill to find clothing and accessories, including used and new goods, to help them put together the perfect costume that doesn’t make them (or their wallets) scream.

The survey found that costumes based on pop culture trends are the top choices of people who plan to dress up.

“Among those who plan to wear a Halloween costume this year, 30 percent would most like to wear a costume based on pop culture trends, or a character from a movie, TV show, video game or book, while nearly as many favor an iconic costume like witches, ghosts, zombies or werewolves”, said Butner. “A unique, one-of-a-kind costume was the top pick of 23 percent of respondents planning to wear a costume.”

Shop with imagination at your local Goodwill store.