Halloween spending set to hit record $500 million in Australia

Australians are preparing for a record-breaking Halloween this year, with spending on costumes, decorations, treats, and parties expected to reach around $500 million, according to new research from the Australian Retailers Association (ARA) and Roy Morgan.

With Halloween falling on a Friday, more than one in five Australians aged 18 and over – about 4.8 million people – plan to celebrate by dressing up, decorating their homes, stocking up on sweets, or hosting parties.

“Halloween continues to grow in Australia and has become a multi-generational, community celebration,” said ARA Chief Industry Affairs Officer Fleur Brown.

“From witches and wizards to superheroes and even costumed pets, Australians are getting into the spirit. Spending on costumes, decorations, treats and parties is tipped to climb 11% to about $500 million compared with last year.”

Average spending per person is forecast to rise 11 per cent to $103. Victoria and Tasmania are expected to lead the nation with $112 per person, followed by New South Wales at $107 and South Australia at $102. Queensland and Western Australia are projected to spend just under $100 per person.

Spending across New South Wales, Victoria, and Queensland is predicted to hit a record $390 million, up $40 million from 2024. The most popular activities include stocking up on sweets (47 per cent), trick-or-treating (46 per cent), costumes (43 per cent), and home decorating (38%).

Participation among older Australians is also rising, with 21 per cent of people aged 50 to 64 and 21 per cent of those over 65 joining in the festivities. That’s one million more participants from these age groups compared with last year.

“These figures show that Halloween is no longer just child’s play,” Brown said.

“It’s become an event for Australians of all ages. With strong discretionary spending on Halloween, retailers have every reason to hope the season ahead will be a treat, not a trick.”