AUSTRALIA | ANZ has forecasted a record-breaking Halloween in 2025, with customer spending expected to reach AUD 2.32 billion from the 25th to the 31st of October.
This was a 10 percent increase since 2022, and the insights revealed that Australians have embraced Halloween more than ever, with the spooky season being celebrated in many ways, with vigorous consumer activity expected across food, entertainment, and retail.
ANZ General Manager, Deposits and Payments, Kate Britton, said the data proved that Halloween is a key moment in Australia's retail calendar.
“Halloween is now a cross-generational event with substantial retail implications. Retailers can expect demand across food, clothing, and entertainment, as Aussies decorate their homes, go trick-or-treating, host parties, or attend events," said Britton.
“With Halloween falling on a Friday this year, we expect even greater participation as Australians get into the spooky spirit."
In 2024, food stores, takeaways, entertainment, retail/goods, wineries, and bottle shops took the top spots for consumer spending, with the latter proving that the Halloween thrill isn’t just for kids.
Michael Smith, owner of the Sun Theatre in Yarraville and an ANZ business customer, said that Halloween was one of the favourite times of year in Yarraville, and it just keeps getting bigger.
"At the Sun Theatre, we’re celebrating with cult-classic horror screenings and encouraging movie-goers to dress in their spookiest costumes and get ready to scream," he said.
"It’s a fun, festive moment for our community, filled with creativity, costumes and sweet treats."
In 2024, Gen X led the way in spending with AUD 745 million, followed by millennials (AUD 697m) and baby boomers ( AUD 465m). Gen Z showed the highest year-on-year growth at 20 percent.
Across the states, Victoria spent the most in 2024 (AUD 613m), followed by NSW (AUD 594m).
All states reported higher spending than a typical week, highlighting Halloween’s growing popularity.
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