The Big Business Of Halloween In America [Infographic]

Tonight, a funny thing will happen in neighborhoods all over the country: pint-sized ninjas, cowboys, ghosts, and princesses will all be seen hanging out together in the twilight, knocking on doors. Surprisingly, the residents within will not phone the police.

Instead, they will reward these motley crews with enough candy and treats to keep them bouncing off the walls late into the night. But there’s something decidedly un-cute about this holiday lurking under the surface: massive spending and waste.

According to economic experts, the average American (that’s individuals, not families) will spend over $70 on Halloween decorations, costumes, and candy this year. And that translates into big bucks for the corporations who make all this flimsy stuff.

(click through to enlarge)

In a time when the American economy is on the verge of a shut-down, families have been foreclosed on, and millions are still looking for work, this seems like an awfully frivolous way to spend our money, doesn’t it?

Halloween, like all holidays, should be a time for spending some with friends…and that doesn’t have to cost a thing. Check out these clever Care2 posts for having a safe, happy, and shareable Halloween.

10 DIY Ways To Have A Waste-Free Halloween

The Green Halloween Guide

10 Halloween Pranks That Don’t Damage Property

Real Halloween Treats, Not Sugary Tricks

How Halloween Can Fight Hunger

Give Used Halloween Candy Wrappers A Second Life

13 Halloween Sugar Substitutes

Top Image Credit: Flickr - daveynin
Infographic via Business Credit Cards Blog

Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of
Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

Nina A.

8:20AM PST on Jan 5, 2012

Thank you for the article.

send a green star

Duane B.

5:10PM PST on Nov 7, 2011

I don't appear to be the "average consumer" as portrayed on the infographic! ;-)

Bill K.

7:23AM PST on Nov 7, 2011

wow, scary in more ways than one

Shane C.

2:37PM PST on Nov 6, 2011

Sue M.

10:57AM PST on Nov 6, 2011

thanks.

Raven D.

6:22PM PDT on Nov 4, 2011

I worked at a halloween store this year and couldn't help thinking that I can make better stuff than this. It was overpriced and flimsy and they still bought it. Still, I'll miss wearing costumes to work. :)

Past Member .

3:09PM PDT on Nov 3, 2011

Wow, dude. We celebrate Halloween in Sweden too (God knows why), but it's not as big here at it is in the U.S., which I am very grateful for. I like All Hallows' Eve though, which is a totally different thing from Halloween over here. =)

KS G.

4:59AM PDT on Nov 3, 2011

Thanks for the article.

Magdalen B.

2:15AM PDT on Nov 3, 2011

Absolutely right, Lynne C.!

We're being persuaded to copy America and "join in the fun" translation- "spend buckets of money" here in England. The old custom of burning Guy Fawkes on Nov 5th seems neglected

tiffany t.

9:05PM PDT on Nov 1, 2011

informative article, thanks. I love Halloween, but try to make my own costumes and buy fair trade chocolate. Nothing better than watching a scarey movie by candle light ; )