Halloween shoppers turn to thrift stores, DIY costumes as prices climb

What This Story Is About

• Halloween shoppers are turning to thrift stores and DIY costumes as prices for candy, costumes and decorations rise.

Why It Matters

• Families are looking for ways to cut back and stretch their holiday budgets while Halloween spending stays near record levels.

For Context

• Don Bruce with University of Tennessee said higher fuel and shipping costs, more expensive labor and last year’s disruption in West African cocoa crops are pushing prices up. He said candy inflation is about 15% this year, and he has seen estimates putting it up more than 70% over five years.

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT) - Halloween shoppers are turning to thrift stores and do-it-yourself costumes as prices for candy, costumes and decorations rise.

National retail research shows shoppers are looking for ways to stretch their holiday budgets while spending near-record amounts.

Prices rising across Halloween spending

Don Bruce, director of the Boyd Center at the University of Tennessee, said candy prices are rising faster than overall inflation.

“Especially with candy inflation, it’s on the order of 15% this year,” Bruce said.

Over five years, Bruce said he has seen estimates putting Halloween candy up more than 70%. “That’s a massive increase,” he said.

Bruce added no single factor is driving prices higher. Higher fuel and shipping costs, more expensive labor and last year’s disruption in West African cocoa crops are all pushing prices up.

“It’s really an across-the-board inflationary story,” Bruce said.

Thrift stores draw more Halloween shoppers

A national survey commissioned by Goodwill found 85% of costume shoppers plan to use thrifted or DIY elements this year. Six in 10 primarily create their own costumes, according to the survey.

Instead of paying around $50 for a new costume, more shoppers are going to thrift stores such as Goodwill and mixing and matching pieces to create their own looks.

“A regular off-the-rack costume can cost you about $50 on average,” said Nicole Knoxville, senior vice president of Goodwill retail. “Here, you’re looking at $7.99 to $9.99 and up, depending on how many pieces you want.”

Goodwill said the price difference is bringing in more Halloween shoppers. Many are not buying only one-night outfits, the organization said. They are looking for unique pieces they can wear again or turn into something new.

Knoxville said that over the last several years, people have wanted a more unique find. She said shoppers come into second-hand stores like Goodwill, find one piece, such as a hat or jacket, and build a costume around it.

Bruce said families will still have a happy Halloween but will need to be more resourceful.