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Chart showing: What type of retail store is most used for Halloween purchases in the US

What Type of Retail Store Is Most Used for Halloween Purchases in the US?

In 2024, overall Halloween spending reached $11.6 billion, marking a significant rise from a decade ago, when expenditures totaled $7.4 billion. According to a recent analysis, Halloween has evolved from a one-day event into a season-long celebration. With consumers spending more on costumes, decorations, and candy every year, Halloween presents a lucrative opportunity for businesses—especially those that know how to effectively reach their target buyers.

In the age of ecommerce, US consumers have a variety of shopping options, including online platforms, department stores, grocery stores, and specialty shops. But where do people go specifically for Halloween shopping? In this article, we’ll explore what type of retail store is most used for Halloween purchases in the US. 

What type of retail store is most used for Halloween purchases in the US in 2024: table

Retail store

Percentage of people buying Halloween-related items from these stores

Discount store

37%

Specialty Halloween/costume store

33%

Online

33%

Grocery store/supermarket

28%

Department store

22%

Home décor store

13%

Crafts or fabrics store

12%

Thrift stores/resale shops

12%

Clothing store

11%

Home improvement store

9%

Local/small business

9%

What type of retail store is most used for Halloween purchases in the US in 2024?

A recent survey by the National Retail Federation reveals that discount stores top the list for Halloween shopping, with 37% of consumers choosing these retailers for their Halloween needs. Known for their affordability and wide selection, discount stores appeal to shoppers looking for costumes, decorations, and candy at budget-friendly prices. 

Specialty Halloween and costume stores are another major shopping destination, with 33% of consumers opting for these stores in 2024. With costumes among the top Halloween expenditures, it’s no surprise that these dedicated costume stores are a popular choice. 

Online shopping for Halloween

The data shows that online shopping has also become a major channel for Halloween purchases, with 33% of consumers buying Halloween essentials online in 2024. This shift aligns with the broader trend of an increasing number of online shoppers in the US, which reached 273.49 million in 2024 and is expected to grow steadily in the coming years. 

With online shopping expanding across categories—from groceries to seasonal goods—Halloween shopping online has surged as well. Consumers are increasingly drawn to the advantages of ecommerce, including its convenience, variety, and ease of comparing options. For businesses, knowing that online shopping plays a major role in Halloween spending highlights the importance of an effective digital presence to capture shoppers.

Other popular retail stores for Halloween purchases

Aside from discount stores, specialty Halloween shops, and online platforms, several other types of stores capture Halloween shoppers’ attention. Grocery stores and supermarkets are particularly popular, with 28% of consumers making Halloween purchases there. Given that candy is the most widely purchased Halloween item, with as many as 95% of celebrants buying candy, grocery stores play an essential role in Halloween shopping. 

Valued for their wide selection, department stores attract 22% of Halloween shoppers. They are followed by home décor shops, with 13%, and craft and thrift/resale stores at 12% each. General clothing stores, which offer outfits that go beyond the Halloween season, also prove to be popular among 11% of Halloween revelers. Home improvement stores and local small businesses attract 9% of Halloween consumers.

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