While some consumers are panning to go big this Halloween, others are cutting their costs.
It’s the spookiest day of, and a seasonal celebration that would seem to be getting bigger and bigger across the UK.
Shops in Scotland have been groaning with Halloween-themed goodies for weeks, from discounted bags of sweets to scary costumes, frightening face-paints and petrifying pumpkins - many of which will surely resemble a rotting zombie by the time the big day actually arrives.
And despite the cost of living crisis leading many people to tighten their belts and dial down the decorations, a survey has found not everyone is afraid of splashing out,
A survey by the Nationwide Building Society found a fifth (20%) of young adults aged 25 to 34 plan to “go big” this Halloween and spend more than last year.
And more than one in 10 (11%) people expect to purchase Halloween gifts, while 28% of people are planning to stock up for trick-or-treaters and 15% will spend on decorations.
Retailers have also seen their nightmare scenario of a horror Halloween dissipate, with reports showing that like-for-like chocolate confectionery prices are 3% lower than a year ago.
Some 1.2 million households bought a pumpkin over the latest four weeks – an increase of 10% compared with the same time last year.
And in a further sign that people are getting into the Autumn spirit, more than 250,000 households purchased a pumpkin spice coffee.
With prices rising however there is still a lot of consumer caution, and the Nationwide study found that across all age groups surveyed, people were twice as likely to say they are cutting back on Halloween this year amid cost pressures than those planning to spend more.
Around 9% said they expect to spend more this year, while 18% said living cost pressures mean they will cut back.
Fraser McKevitt, head of retail and consumer insight at Worldpanel, said: “With the autumn Budget fast approaching, the cost of living continues to weigh heavily on the minds of shoppers.
“Until the Chancellor sets out his plans, we expect that caution to carry on showing up at the till, with shoppers leaning more heavily on promotions to keep their grocery spend under control.”
“Halloween and Christmas are two of the most important moments of the year for chocolate confectionery, so falling prices will be welcome news for shoppers and retailers alike.
“After the double digit increases of 2025, a 3% drop won’t fully reverse what consumers have paid in recent months, but it should help ease some of the pressure on household budgets as the festive season approaches.”
People who are planning a Halloween-themed day outing this year expect to spend £42 on average, while those expecting to buy Halloween costumes and accessories in the build up to October 31 typically expect to spend £38.
Around 13% of people will buy a pumpkin - and 12% will stock up on several pumpkins.
But while many people are splashing out on Halloween, more than a quarter of adults (26%) surveyed said they do not celebrate Halloween at all.
Fred Powell, head of current accounts at Nationwide, said: “Even with household budgets under pressure, our research shows that many people are still looking for affordable ways to enjoy occasions that matter to them.
“For those who celebrate it, Halloween can be a chance to get together with family and friends without breaking the bank, whether that’s carving a pumpkin, dressing up, enjoying a themed day out or treating trick-or-treaters.”