Princess Reigns as Most Popular Costume for Kids, NRF Poll Shows
WASHINGTON -- Retailers' costume selections should include plenty of princesses, Star Wars characters, witches, and Spider-man, according to the National Retail Federation (NRF) 2005 Halloween Consumer Intentions and Actions Survey, conducted by BIGresearch.
NRF found that 3.78 million children plan to dress up as a princess on Oct. 31, making it the most popular Halloween costume for kids this year. The theme is a return to the classics.
"Classic costumes will always remain Halloween favorites, despite the draw by many kids to dress as their favorite modern-day heroes," said NRF president and c.e.o. Tracy Mullin. "The key to success for retailers is being able to anticipate the year's best costumes and stock them in a variety of sizes, since both children and adults are taking part in the fun."
According to the survey, 53.3 percent of consumers plan to buy a costume for Halloween and will spend an average of $31.88 on that purchase. An estimated $3.3 billion will be spent on the holiday, making Halloween the sixth-largest spending holiday of the year.
Adults will also be altering their personalities on Halloween, with nearly one-third (31.5 percent) planning to dress in costume. Young adults, many of whom plan to attend Halloween parties, are the most likely to be scouring stores for costumes, with just over half of 18- to 24-year-olds planning to dress up this year. Top Halloween costumes for adults include witch (3.9 million), vampire (1.45 million), and actor/famous person (784,625).
NRF found that 3.78 million children plan to dress up as a princess on Oct. 31, making it the most popular Halloween costume for kids this year. The theme is a return to the classics.
"Classic costumes will always remain Halloween favorites, despite the draw by many kids to dress as their favorite modern-day heroes," said NRF president and c.e.o. Tracy Mullin. "The key to success for retailers is being able to anticipate the year's best costumes and stock them in a variety of sizes, since both children and adults are taking part in the fun."
According to the survey, 53.3 percent of consumers plan to buy a costume for Halloween and will spend an average of $31.88 on that purchase. An estimated $3.3 billion will be spent on the holiday, making Halloween the sixth-largest spending holiday of the year.
Adults will also be altering their personalities on Halloween, with nearly one-third (31.5 percent) planning to dress in costume. Young adults, many of whom plan to attend Halloween parties, are the most likely to be scouring stores for costumes, with just over half of 18- to 24-year-olds planning to dress up this year. Top Halloween costumes for adults include witch (3.9 million), vampire (1.45 million), and actor/famous person (784,625).