For those who wonder if Halloween is growing in popularity each year, the answer is a resounding yes. Based on consumer spending alone, there is no doubt an increasing number of Americans are opening their wallets and getting into the Halloween spirit more than ever before.

Spooky? Scary? Hardly.

How much do consumers spend during the Halloween season? According to the National Retail Federation, more than $7.4 billion dollars was the amount customers forked over in 2014, making it one of the fastest growing holidays for retailers. It’s not surprising, then, why businesses now start prepping their stores months in advance for the busy fall season. Today it’s common to run across Halloween decorations in the summer, as busy shoppers are always looking for inspiration on how to create an affordable, memorable and unique holiday.

Unlike years ago, when Halloween was primarily just for children, and a simply carved pumpkin would suffice, customers are taking it up a notch or two. Today, everyone is getting in on the fun. Last year alone, $300 million dollars was spent on costumes ñ for pets, according to marketing researcher, IBISWorld. They also reveal that American’s forked over two billion dollars on Halloween decorations, and that same amount was purchased just on candy. The big-ticket item, for young and old alike, however, were costumes, for which consumers spent just under three billion dollars. In fact, last year, more than two-thirds of those celebrating Halloween bought costumes.

Based on the numbers above, consumers spend approximately $78.00 on Halloween, confirming its growing popularity. The first two weeks of October are often the busiest for retailers, but Halloween is also a “last minute” holiday, with shoppers often searching for costumes, candy, and decorations until shops close on Halloween night.

Halloween 2015 – What Do Consumers Want?

What should retailers be preparing for since Halloween 2015 is just 30 days away? What is it that drives customers to spend more? This year, Halloween falls on a Saturday, which makes this holiday even more attractive to those celebrating. With no school or work the following day, it’s just one more reason to go all out.

For inspiration, Americans search out websites such as Pinterest, Instagram, and various blogs; yet, online shopping counts only for seven percent of all Halloween purchases. While consumers may get their ideas online, they prefer traditional shopping for Halloween-related items.

Overall, consumers look for quality, and items within their budget, but they want their costumes to be unique and different. Many will buy full costumes complete from head to toe while others just want accessories to mix and match with what they have collected over the years. Zombies, witches, and pirates will always be popular costumes, for example, but consumers want to update or freshen up these classic looks to make it more current and memorable.

Decorating for Halloween and fall is the second largest home decor buying purchase, just behind Christmas. In fact, retailers are offering decorations that appeal to a broader autumn theme. According to NRF, more than half of all consumers plan to dress up their home within the next month. Whether it’s a scary theme with spooky spiders and hanging skeletons, or scarecrows and a bale of hay surrounded by gourds and pumpkins, the vast majority of American homes will be outfitted as the season approaches.

The International Council of Shopping Centers say the key to a successful Halloween season for retailers is to consider the following:

• Location of Halloween/Fall related items must be accessible
• Ability to handle, physically see, try on merchandise
• Quality and price
• Convenience

Finally, keep your displays simple and clean, and update your merchandise frequently. Again, Halloween is an event where buyers come back for more, particularly at last minute. By changing your floor displays, making sure all items are visible and attractively displayed, you will find that this is a hook that brings your customers through your front door and compels them to buy.

Whether you’re looking for additional display racks, shelving or signage, help is just a phone call or Live Chat session away. Contact one of our knowledgeable Call Center experts at 800-999-0771, and we’ll be able to assist you, or order online at visit us at SpecialtyStoreServices.com