As the key Halloween Trends for 2025 begin emerging across social media and in stores well ahead of the season, retailers are preparing for a season filled with creativity, technology, and earlier-than-ever shopping. Last year, U.S. consumers spent $11.6 billion on Halloween-related purchases, including candy, costumes, decorations, and greeting cards. This was slightly lower than the record $12.2 billion in 2023, according to the NRF. Understanding these Halloween trends will help retailers capture attention and increase sales.
Halloween Spending Highlights – 2024
- Total: $11.6 billion (vs. $12.2 billion in 2023)
- Decorations: ~$3.8 billion
- Costumes: ~$3.8 billion
- Candy: ~$3.5 billion
- Greeting cards: ~$500 million
- Average per-person spending: ~$103.63
- Nearly 47% of shoppers started Halloween shopping before October, up from around 32% a decade ago
Top 5 Halloween Trends 2025 for Retailers
1. Top Pop Culture Costumes in Halloween Trends 2025
From Netflix documentaries to viral sports moments, Halloween trends show that costume choices this year are heavily inspired by pop culture. According to Good Housekeeping, standout ideas include:
- Taylor Swift & Travis Kelce – The ultimate couple’s look, perfect for football fans and Swifties alike
- Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter Era – Cowboy boots, denim, and western glam
- Caitlin Clark – Basketball’s rising star, ideal for sports lovers
- Wednesday Addams – Timelessly creepy, boosted by the buzz for Season 2
- Elle Woods – All-pink power dressing ahead of the new Legally Blonde prequel
- David & Victoria Beckham – Retro sporty-chic inspired by new Netflix documentaries
Retailers can lean into these Halloween trends by offering ready-made versions, DIY kits, and accessories to help shoppers recreate the year’s most recognisable looks.
2. Social Media-Driven Décor in Halloween Trends
Viral products are shaping Halloween décor more than ever, with TikTok often setting the pace. A perfect example is Costco’s viral giant skeleton, a 12-foot-tall yard decoration that became the must-have item of Halloween 2024. It sold out so quickly that many shoppers missed their chance to buy one.
This year, TikTok videos show that shoppers are buying viral décor as early as July to secure the trendiest pieces before they sell out. This early buying behaviour reflects a shift in planning, with social platforms acting as both inspiration and urgency drivers.
Retailer Takeaway:
- Use social listening to identify products gaining momentum on TikTok, Instagram and Pinterest
- Stock and promote trending items well before the traditional Halloween shopping season
- Tease viral products in digital catalogs or through influencer previews to build hype and capture early sales
3. Budget-Friendly Choices Remain Strong in Halloween Trends
Economic pressures are pushing consumers to celebrate Halloween without overspending. Instead of splurging on elaborate costumes, many families are turning to mix and match basics like witch hats, masks, or face paint that they can reuse year after year. Shoppers also choose budget-friendly décor such as string lights, paper bats, or pumpkin buckets that double as candy holders over more expensive statement pieces. Even candy purchases reflect this shift, with multi-packs and bulk-buy sweets gaining traction as families aim to stretch their rands further.
Retailer Takeaway: To meet this demand, offer tiered pricing (basic vs. premium versions of popular items), bundle deals (costume and accessory sets, candy multipacks), and DIY or rental options (pumpkin carving kits, costume rentals) to appeal to shoppers who want to join in on Halloween trends without breaking the bank.
4. Sustainability as a Key Factor in Halloween Trends 2025
Shoppers are increasingly conscious of the environmental impact of seasonal celebrations. From avoiding single-use plastics to choosing products with longer lifespans, many consumers are looking for ways to enjoy Halloween while reducing waste. Retailers that visibly embrace sustainability can strengthen customer loyalty and stand out in a competitive market.
- Digital Catalogs to Replace Printed Versions
One of the most effective ways to demonstrate a commitment to sustainability is by replacing printed catalogs with digital ones. Digital catalogs cut paper waste, reduce printing costs, and allow retailers to update products instantly to reflect current stock or highlight trending items. They also integrate seamlessly with online and in-store experiences, guiding shoppers through curated collections and inspiring purchases without the environmental footprint of print.
- Homemade Costumes and Décor to Reduce Waste
An increasing number of consumers are making their own costumes and decorations using everyday items, a trend driven by both environmental awareness and creativity. Retailers can tap into this by offering DIY-focused sections in-store and online, showcasing fabrics, accessories, tools, and craft materials. Providing inspiration boards, how-to guides, and affordable supplies helps position your brand as a partner in sustainable celebrations while boosting sales in related categories.
Retailer Takeaway:
- Support customers who want to create their own costumes and décor by offering materials, inspiration, and guides both online and in-store
- Incorporate sustainability into merchandising and marketing strategies
- Highlight the switch from printed to digital catalogs as part of your eco-friendly approach
5. In-Store Shopping as Part of Halloween Trends 2025
Even with the influence of digital catalogs and viral TikTok trends, many consumers still prefer shopping in person, especially for Halloween. Shoppers enjoy walking into stores like Costco, Target, or Aldi to browse new-season décor, candy, and themed products while planning their events.
This hands-on experience allows customers to compare items, get inspired by curated displays, and generate ideas for parties or trick-or-treat routes. In Halloween trends, the in-store journey remains a strong driver of sales.
Retailer Takeaway:
- Design store layouts that flow logically, for example moving customers from décor to costumes to candy in a natural sequence
- Create themed zones or seasonal “shop-in-shop” areas to help customers picture their event from start to finish
- Add interactive elements like sample stations, décor demos or photo areas to encourage longer visits and bigger baskets
Make the Most of Halloween Trends 2025
| Trend | Key Insight |
|---|---|
| Pop Culture Costumes | 2025’s biggest moments (Swift/Kelce, Beyoncé, Caitlin Clark) dominate costume demand |
| Social Media-Driven Décor | Viral items like Costco’s giant skeleton sell out early, making social listening essential |
| Budget-Friendly Choices | Cost-conscious shoppers seek value bundles, DIY kits and rentals |
| Sustainability Matters | 62% prefer eco-friendly, rental or reusable costumes and décor |
| In-Store Experience | Shoppers enjoy browsing seasonal ranges in person and benefit from logical store flow |
Halloween Trends 2025 shows that consumer interest started earlier, was shaped by pop culture, went viral on social media, and still relied on the appeal of in-store shopping. Retailers who respond quickly, stock smartly, and present products in inspiring ways will be best positioned to capture the season’s spending.
Now is the time to start planning your merchandising, marketing, and product mix so you’re ready when shoppers search for their Halloween must-haves.
Create your own free Halloween catalog with our free trial and start showcasing your products online today. Give customers an easy, engaging way to browse your Halloween range and drive more sales this season.
