Halloween has evolved from a niche celebration into a retail juggernaut. As we approach the 31st of October, the UK is gripped by a "fright night" fever that is expected to generate a staggering £779 million in spending.
MeetVoucher has crunched the numbers on this year's spooky economy. The data reveals that 55% of Brits plan to make a Halloween purchase, with the average person budgeting £26 for the occasion. However, demographics tell a deeper story: Millennials are the biggest spenders, averaging £50 per person, while Londoners are set to drop £36 each on festivities.
With inflation impacting chocolate prices and costume retailers hiking margins, how do you participate without vanishing your bank balance? Here is our comprehensive market analysis and buyer's guide for 2025.
The Costume Economy: Pop Culture vs. The High Street
This year, the trend cycle is moving faster than ever. The most coveted looks are driven by Netflix and gaming, specifically Wednesday (Addams), K-pop Demon Hunters, and Minecraft characters. The "Official" versions of these costumes often retail for over £20, a steep price for a single-use garment.
Strategic Sourcing for Parents
MeetVoucher recommends a "deconstruct and replicate" strategy for trending characters to save up to 70%:
- Wednesday Addams: Skip the official costume shop. A generic "dark princess dress" from Temu (£4) combined with braided hair extensions (£3) achieves the look for under £10.
- Minecraft: Official costumes are pricey. However, Primark offers a Creeper onesie for £15. The value proposition here is higher, as it doubles as functional sleepwear post-Halloween. Alternatively, a DIY "Steve" requires only a blue t-shirt and a cardboard box.
- K-Pop Hunters: Utilize Amazon for specific wigs (lilac/pink) and pair them with existing wardrobe staples.
The Best High Street Deals
If you prefer off-the-rack convenience, our price comparison identified the clear market leaders:
- Winner (Value): Lidl. Utilizing the Lidl Plus app, shoppers can secure kids' costumes (ages 4-10) for just £3.99. This is currently the lowest price point on the market for a complete outfit.
- Runner Up (Variety): The Range & B&M. The Range starts at £5.99, while B&M offers solid options at the £8 mark.
- Adults: For adult costumes that will likely only be worn once, Shein dominates with witches' capes for £4.75 and velvet cloaks for under £3.
- Teens (Circular Economy): Gen Z is turning to Vinted and Depop. Second-hand costumes (Zombies, Brides of Frankenstein) are abundant, often starting from £5, offering a sustainable alternative to fast fashion.
Decorating: The Rise of the "Haunted Home"
Decorating has shifted from simple pumpkins to elaborate "Christmas-style" outdoor displays.
Outdoor Statement Pieces
Aldi is the aggressive leader in this category. Their Halloween Animatronics (£19.99)—including a Grim Reaper and Clown—undercut specialist retailers by significant margins. Their self-inflating outdoor displays with integrated lighting cost just £12.99.
Indoor Ambience
Morrisons wins on small-scale items, with black cobweb netting for £1 and "Ghost String Lights" for £4. The Range offers higher-tech scares, such as the "Creepy Clown Stack" (£29.99) and an animated spider for £7.99.
The Sugar Tax: Confectionery Inflation
Chocolate prices have risen at record rates this year. "Halloween-branded" bags often carry a significant markup compared to standard packaging.
The Smart Shopper's Sweet List
- Volume Buying: Lidl offers the best price-per-kilo, with a 1kg "Spooky Jelly Mix" for £4.49.
- Brand Favorites: ASDA is the destination for branded tubs (Heroes, Celebrations) at under £4.50. Their Haribo share bags (approx. 9p per bag) are ideal for high-traffic doorsteps.
- Premium & Allergy Friendly: For U.S. imports (Nerds, Jolly Ranchers), Sainsbury's American aisle is cheaper than specialty sweet shops. For high-end gifting, Hotel Chocolat offers "Carvin the Pumpkin" sets, though these are best reserved for close family rather than neighborhood trick-or-treaters.
- Best Own-Brand: M&S gets the nod for creativity. Their "Sinister Sour" and "Freshly Dug" sweet bags start at £1.50 and offer a premium look without the premium price tag.
Eco-Friendly & Free Alternatives
With 2,000 tonnes of plastic waste generated by costumes annually, reuse is both an economic and environmental imperative.
MeetVoucher's Top DIY Hacks:
- The Skeleton: Black clothes + White duct tape (bone patterns). Cost: <£3.
- The Pumpkin: Oversized orange tee (stuffed) + Green felt headband. Cost: <£5.
- Makeup over Masks: Iceland sells makeup kits for £1.50, and Hobbycraft offers "3 for 2" deals. Face paint is safer, cheaper, and less likely to be discarded than a plastic mask.