Florida Retail Federation says 73% of Floridians will celebrate ghostly day in some form or another.
As October plows on well into Fall, Floridians are getting ready to celebrate Halloween and retailers are urging them to buy local to avoid any scary impacts on merchants.
A National Retail Federation (NRF[1]) consumer survey[2] results published in the past week show there likely will be a record amount of spending on Halloween goods by Americans this year. According to the NRF report, 49% of Americans are kicking off their shopping for Halloween early this year and they are expected to collectively spend $13.1 billion across the country on the frightening festivities.
That’s substantially more than 2024’s figure of $11.6 billion and that would be a record that would snap the previous high figure set in 2023 with $12.2 billion.
That $13.1 billion amount would come out to $114.45 being spent per person. That’s an $11 increase per person from last year.
The Florida Retail Federation (FRF[3]) is in a campaign to guide Sunshine State consumers to their local stores during the Halloween season. The organization says buying local will be a lot less frightening for local economies when shoppers buy from stores in their own town.
“Florida retailers are ready for a frightfully festive season,” said Scott Shalley, President and CEO of the FRF. “Whether you’re stocking up on candy or crafting the perfect costume, shopping early means you’ll get the best selection while supporting local retailers. And don’t let last-minute shopping haunt you; make sure to Find It In Florida[4] when picking up all the seasonal surprises.”
Find It In Florida is an FRF effort to keep state residents shopping in Florida and the organization pushes the effort even more during holidays and special events.
The NRF survey shows three out of every four Floridians plan to celebrate Halloween this year, or about 73%.
Some 66% of Americans will do that by handing out candy. Another 51% will dress in some kind of costume, 51% will decorate their homes or yards, 46% will carve pumpkins and 32% will attend or host a Halloween party.
Some 42% of Americans plan to buy their Halloween ghostly goods at discount stores, which remain the top destination for purchasing merchandise for the holiday.
The NRF survey tapped 8,045 American consumers with a questionnaire between Sept. 2 to Sept. 9.