Aussies go all-in for Halloween with $500m spending spree

Australians are going all out for Halloween this year, with research showing record spending on costumes, decorations and sweet treats as fright night lands on a Friday.

The Australian Retailers Association (ARA) and Roy Morgan believes we’ll fork out close to half a billion dollars on spooky fun. That’s an 11 per cent jump on last year.

Friday fright night sparks a boom

More than 4.8 million Aussies are planning to get in on the Halloween action, from trick-or-treating and house parties to decorating their homes and even dressing up their pets. The average spend per person is set to hit $103, with Victoria and Tasmania leading the charge at $112 a head, followed by NSW at $107.

“Halloween continues to grow in Australia and has become a multi-generational, community celebration,” says ARA Chief Industry Affairs Officer, Fleur Brown. “From witches and wizards to superheroes and costumed pets, Australians are getting into the spirit.”

Not just child’s play anymore

The spooky season is no longer just for the kids. Participation among older Aussies is on the rise, with one million more people aged over 50 joining the festivities this year. The ARA says around 21 per cent of over-65s are now celebrating Halloween, up a whopping 12 per cent on last year.

Men and women are equally into it, with similar participation levels across the board. NSW, Victoria and Queensland are expected to make up the lion’s share of spending, hitting a record $390 million combined.

A sweet treat for small business

For small retailers, cafés and online stores, Halloween marks the unofficial start of the silly season. With Christmas fast approaching, it’s the perfect opportunity to get creative, attract foot traffic, and boost sales.

From limited-edition spooky treats to themed window displays or last-minute costume accessories, there’s plenty of room for small businesses to jump on the Halloween hype.

“Strong discretionary spending around Halloween gives retailers every reason to hope the season ahead will be a treat, not a trick,” says Brown.

So whether you’re selling lollies, candles, costumes or cupcakes, it’s worth leaning into the spooky spirit, because Australians clearly can’t resist a bit of Halloween magic.

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