Higher Costs Spur Halloween Costume Creativity

Most people (62 percent) say that due to rising costs caused by inflation, they are more likely to create DIY Halloween costumes than purchase a new one from a store. This information comes from Goodwill Industries International’s latest annual Halloween survey, which showed how much inflation is impacting “new goods” spending, and how thrift shopping is making a Halloween comeback. Here are some insights from the survey:

• Seven in ten Americans say the economic impacts of inflation are limiting their ability to purchase new Halloween costumes or décor (70%).
• More than three in five say that because of rising costs due to inflation, they are more likely to create DIY Halloween costumes than purchase from a store (62%).
• Additionally, 63% of adults are more likely to buy materials for DIY Halloween costumes or décor from thrift stores such as Goodwill to reduce costs.
• 10 percent more people will dress up this year, over 2021.

“Halloween is Goodwill’s busiest season as customers embrace do-it-yourself costume and décor shopping at Goodwill stores,” said Rich Cantz, the President and CEO Goodwill Northern New England. “For less than $12 you can dress up as your favorite character while supporting our workforce programs — because honestly, dressing up as a Sanderson sister is scary, but joblessness is still far scarier.”

Goodwill Northern New England is a nonprofit that helped more than 16,000 people find jobs and job training in the last year. Revenue from stores helps fund that mission work.

This year’s survey, which was administered by Big Village, also found that Goodwill stores top the list (89%) of favorite places to shop among those who prefer to look for materials for DIY costumes at thrift stores.

The survey also found this year’s costume trends. Here’s the breakdown:

• The biggest trend is the classics: 29 percent of costume wearers want to wear an iconic costume, such as a witch, ghost, zombie, or werewolf.
• The next most popular category is more current: 27 percent of people will make their selections based on pop culture trends, or a character from a movie, TV show, video game or book.
• A one-of-a-kind costume was the top pick for 22% of respondents.
• Two-thirds (66%) of adults who prefer DIY costumes say they or members of their household turn to social media and websites for DIY costume ideas and inspiration. YouTube (28%) and Pinterest (26%) are the top-cited social media platforms for DIY inspiration, followed by Facebook (23%), TikTok (20%) and Instagram (19%).
• 11 percent of pets will be costumed.
• Close to half of adult respondents plan to coordinate their costume with someone else this year (45%).

Goodwill Northern New England is a nonprofit social enterprise in Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont. Revenue from its 29 thrift stores support its mission to help people achieve independence and personal stability. Goodwill NNE’s programs include workforce training programs, 22 group homes that support adults with disabilities, active community supports for adults with disabilities, AmeriCorps programs and two business-cleaning services. Goodwill NNE operates two brain injury clinics to help people get back to their lives after a brain injury. For more information visitGoodwillNNE.org.