Halloween festivities have begun at Target, with Lewis the Pumpkin Ghoul appearing in numerous store locations.

The retailer is unveiling its entire selection for the spooky season, which features 1,300 new items, including budget-friendly costumes starting at just $15. Among the offerings are the Disney Frozen 2 Elsa and Anna costumes, as well as Toddler Disney Belle and Rapunzel dresses, along with a Toddler Mickey Mouse costume.

This influx of fresh products available at all Target outlets also includes eerie home décor and Halloween-themed snacks. Additionally, Target continues to sell a variety of large outdoor and indoor decorations like the talking, glowing 8-foot-tall Bruce the Skeleton Ghoul, and smaller illuminated pumpkinhead decorations named Little Lewis and Baby Lewis.

Other retailers, such as Home Depot, Lowe’s, and Costco, have also released their large-scale Halloween decorations well in advance of the holiday.

Target’s strategy to appeal to Halloween shoppers is timely, as Halloween spending is projected to surpass last year’s all-time high of $12.2 billion in 2023, according to the National Retail Federation. This comes despite consumers still grappling with inflation and rising prices for some items.

Halloween shoppers anticipated to increase spending on costumes and candy

Despite ongoing price pressures, nearly half (49%) of U.S. consumers expect to spend $51 or more on costumes, which marks an increase from 47% last year. Additionally, 24% of respondents indicated plans to spend over $100, based on an August survey of 1,048 U.S. residents conducted by marketing company Advantage Solutions, which serves retailers and consumer goods companies.

Halloween decorators also appear eager to spend more, with 57% revealing they plan to spend at least $51 — a notable rise from 36% spending in that range in 2023.

Shoppers indicated they would start buying costumes earlier this year, with 50% planning to shop at least 15 days before October 31. In contrast, 70% of those surveyed intend to wait until the last week leading up to the holiday to purchase candy.

This approach to shopping reflects consumers’ ongoing worries about inflation and the potential for an economic downturn, according to the firm. Kelly Ravestijn, senior vice president of commerce intelligence at Advantage Unified Commerce, a division of Advantage Solutions, noted, “This trend highlights a broader consumer pattern where people are cutting back on everyday costs yet are unwilling to forgo their beloved holidays and small pleasures.”

Ravestijn added, “Even as they trim their budgets elsewhere, consumers consider holidays like Halloween as essential indulgences, showcasing their significance in the retail arena.”

Target Halloween offerings: Fun mugs, pillows, and treats

Target is dedicated to the millions who embrace Halloween celebrations while also addressing economic worries, according to Rick Gomez, Target’s executive vice president and chief commercial officer.

“Target aims to simplify the shopping experience, providing everything needed for celebrations leading up to October 31 at excellent prices,” he stated. “This year, over 1,300 of our Halloween items are brand new – that’s 75% of our lineup – featuring Wicked costumes, new candy from Favorite Day, and much more to ensure a memorable season.”

Here’s a glimpse at Target’s Halloween products, which are available in-store and online at Target.com:

• Costumes: The selection features many adaptive costumes designed for wheelchairs and those with back hook-and-loop closures for easier wear and access to healthcare items, including the Hyde & EEK! Boutique Kids’ Color Melt Skeleton Halloween Costume Jumpsuit with Beanie ($15) and the Emerald Dragon Halloween Costume Jumpsuit with Headpiece (both priced at $15). There are also various costumes for adults and children inspired by the upcoming movie “Wicked,” as well as themes from Barbie, Bluey, and Marvel characters. For those eager for Halloween festivities, Halloween-themed sleepwear is also available.

• Home decorations: If you aim to create a Halloween atmosphere in your home, Target offers various options, including Halloween-themed mugs starting at just $5, ghost-themed throw pillows ($10), and throw blankets adorned with bats and jack-o’-lanterns (from $10). Additionally, glowing pumpkin decorations ($5) and eerie candle holders, such as a snake candelabra ($25), are available. Target emphasizes that 60% of its Halloween home decor selections are priced at $10 or less.

• Food and treats: For snacks, whether for trick-or-treaters or for family enjoyment, Target presents an assortment from its Favorite Day brand, including Ghostie Cake Pops (approximately $7), Halloween Sour Frightfetti popcorn ($4), and Favorite Day Sour Skull Slime ($4). A bulk party-sized bag containing 70 pieces of Snickers, Twix, Milky Way, and 3 Musketeers is also available for about $10.

Stay updated with Mike Snider on X and Threads: @mikesnider & mikegsnider.