Halloween is set to be a big one for Australian retailers in 2025, with new data from the Australian Retailers Association and Roy Morgan showing a record spending lift this year.
ARA chief industry affairs officer Fleur Brown said spending on costumes, decorations, treats and parties is tipped to climb 11 per cent to about $500 million compared to last year.
On top of this, more than one in five Australians aged 18 or above – around 4.8 million people are set to get involved.
“Halloween continues to grow in Australia and has become a multi-generational, community celebration,” Brown said. “From witches and wizards to superheroes and even costumed pets, Australians are getting into the spirit.”
Average spending per person is also set to rise to $103, up 11 per cent compared to 2024. Victoria and Tasmania will both lead in average spend per person ($112 per person), followed closely by NSW ($107) and South Australia ($102), with Queensland and Western Australia projected to spend slightly less than $100 per person.
Top spending categories include costumes (43 per cent), trick-or-treating (46 per cent), stocking up on sweets (47 per cent), and home decorating (38 per cent).
Spending across the three biggest states – New South Wales, Victoria and Queensland – is projected to hit a record $390 million, which is up $40 million compared to last year.
The research also shows that 2.2 million men and 2.6 million women will be getting involved, with older Australians joining the spooky season in bigger numbers. Participation among 50 to 64-year-olds is projected to lift to 21 per cent (up 8 per cent) and over-65s also at 21 per cent (up 12 per cent). That’s 1 million more from these age groups taking part.
“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.”