Pacsun expands Halloween storefront amidst record consumer spending forecast

Pacsun has opened its largest Halloween storefront to date as consumer spending for the scary season is predicted to reach a record 13.5 billion US dollars this year, according to the National Retail Federation's annual consumer survey.

The youth apparel retailer is looking to capitalize on strong seasonal appetite for the holiday by offering an expanded assortment across a broad range of price points. Pacsun's extended Halloween shop includes 67 costumes and accessories for women and men, providing plenty of options for consumers.

For women in particular, Pacsun has expanded its Halloween offering from last year to 52 costumes and accessories from Leg Avenue, covering a diverse selection of cute, playful and trend-focused costumes. For men, Pacsun is offering 15 looks, exclusively designed by the retailer.

"Halloween has become a real fashion moment for our customer, and we're seeing them approach it with the same individuality they bring to getting dressed every day," said Richard Cox, chief merchandising officer at Pacsun, in a statement. "It's less about wearing a costume exactly as it comes and more about interpreting a character, a reference, or an idea through your own style. That shift felt very natural for Pacsun, because our role has always been to give young people the freedom to discover what resonates with them and make it their own."

Pacsun opens largest Halloween storefront yet as US consumers are expected to spend a 13.5 billion US dollars this spooky season

In addition to its Halloween storefront, Pacsun will host an exclusive double feature at the Lido Theater in Newport Beach, California, on October 2, screening two cult classics, 'Beetlejuice' and 'Halloween,' where customers can shop a selection of current Pacsun styles onsite.

Pacsun's Halloween collection is available online and in stores nationwide, with prices ranging from 17 to 111 US dollars, which is likely to appeal to budget-conscious Halloween shoppers. Cost remains an important factor for early shoppers according to NRF, with 23 percent of those surveyed buying Halloween items ahead of time to spread their spending, and 21 percent saying the prices and deals were too good to miss.

If Halloween items cost more than expected, 31 percent said they would compare prices before buying, and 26 percent would look for coupons or sales. Another 34 percent plan to buy items they can reuse in later years or use for other occasions.

Overall, about half of consumers (49 percent) surveyed by NRF said they aim to start shopping for Halloween in September or earlier, in line with last year. Much of the early buying is also driven by excitement about the fright-night season. 42 percent of early shoppers said they started early because they look forward to fall, and 34 percent named Halloween as one of their favorite holidays, as interest in Halloween remains strong in the US.

74 percent of consumers surveyed plan to celebrate the holiday this year, and of those surveyed, 61 percent plan to hand out candy and 50 percent will dress up. NRF found that average Halloween spending is expected to reach 115.14 US dollars per person, roughly the same as in 2025.

Costumes are expected to be the largest spending category this Halloween at 4.4 billion US dollars, with 71 percent of Halloween shoppers planning to buy one. Adult costumes are predicted to account for 2 billion US dollars of that, with traditional characters leading the way. Some 4.8 million adults plan to go as a witch and 4.2 million as a vampire. Batman (2 million), Spider-Man (1.5 million) and ghosts (1.4 million) round out the most popular choices.

Discount stores remain the most popular place to buy Halloween items (39 percent), just ahead of specialty Halloween and costume stores (32 percent) and online retailers (27 percent). For costume ideas, online searches are still the top source at 32 percent, but that share has dipped from 37 percent last year to its lowest point in ten years. In-store browsing ranks second for costume inspiration (26 percent) and first for decoration ideas (31 percent).

"Consumers continue to make Halloween a spending priority, but they are also approaching the season with affordability in mind," Allison Zeller, NRF VP of industry and consumer insights, said in a statement. "This year's results show that shoppers are being thoughtful and strategic, looking for ways to maximize value throughout the season. Retailers understand these priorities and are offering a wide range of products across price points, making it easier for consumers to celebrate in ways that fit their budgets."