If you thought that boatload of candy you bought for trick-or-treaters really set you back, think again. Halloween is a billion dollar (actually $7 billion to be exact) industry and it’s only getting bigger.
The National Retail Federation, a trade organization that tracks all things shopping-related, says that Halloween 2014 is going to be one of scary sticker-shock, with the average American spending $77.52 on costumes. A record number of us are expected to don our scariest (or sexiest) costumes to celebrate the holiday, the NRF says, with more than two-thirds of Americans planning to dress up.
Our pets are not being left out either – an estimated $350 million will be spent to dress up our furry friends. Batman, Disney’s “Frozen,” “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles,” and doctors and nurses are expected to be among this year’s hottest costumes, and Ebola is expected to be a popular theme.
If you really want to make an impact at your party, consider shelling out over $1,000 for an authentic “Star Wars” stormtrooper costume, get into the holiday spirit with an $800 nutcracker costume complete with a giant head, or be the topic of conversation by dressing up as Jasmine Tridevil, the woman behind the now-infamous three-breast Internet hoax.