Consumers spend about $73 for Halloween items, survey finds

NEW YORK More than two-thirds of consumers are planning to spend an average of $73 for Halloween, according to the October American Express Spending and Saving Tracker.

While 68% of consumers planned to spend about $73 on Halloween items, 65% of consumers surveyed said most of the spending would go to candy and decorations, followed by Halloween costumes (30%), activities (20%) and attending or hosting a Halloween party (14%).

The American Express survey also found that 1-in-4 consumers ranked Halloween as the No. 1 nongift-giving holiday they spend on, which may be a good sign for retailers this fall.