Costumes are big business again this Halloween

Halloween is big business and TheShelf.com's recent infographic reveals just how big. Using data from the likes of the NRF, Nielsen and Influence Central, the atmospheric infographic contains some fiendishly interesting stats.

Many in the U.S. will be getting involved with Halloween celebrations this year - 171million according to recent NRF statistics - and they are going to be spending more this year than last ($8.4billion - up $1.5billion on last year). Most (71%) will be handing out candy while half (49%) will be decorating their home and 47% will be sporting a costume or carving a pumpkin (46%).

In fact, costumes is what attracts the largest spend, year on year. This year, $3.1billion will be spent on costumes compared with $2.5billion on candy and $2.4billion on decorations. The majority of purchases for Halloween are made in discount stores (46.7%) and costume stores (36.4%) while 21.8% are made online.

According to Deloitte, 36¢ of every dollar spent in a brick and mortar store is influenced by digital and 86% of women turn to social media for Halloween inspiration.

In the U.K., the Halloween market is predicted to be worth around $380million this year, and, as per the U.S., costumes are top of the interest list.

Tags: data, Halloween shopping, holiday retail, retail, spending, U.K., U.S.