Halloween is becoming a bigger economic treat

With U.S. consumers forecast to spend an average of $805 during the coming holiday shopping season, Halloween might seem like small change when looking at its overall impact on the national economy.

But one new survey says the typical American will shell out over $250 this Halloween, and another says the total will be a cool $7.4 billion, with the bulk of it going toward costumes, candy, decorations and either throwing or attending a Halloween party.

Enthusiasm for the holiday has been growing. According to a poll over nearly 3,300 American adults by the British firm CouponCodesPro.com, more than a third of those surveyed (37 percent) said they began preparing for Halloween festivities two to four weeks ahead of the event.

The average amount spent on the day's trick-or-treat candy was just over $39. Costumes costs are around $60, house decorations come in at $55 and Halloween party expenses average $103.50.

"Americans are renowned for their Halloween spirit and traditions," said CouponCodesPro CEO Nick Swan in a statement, "it's just shocking to discover how much one day can cost them, particularly with Thanksgiving and Christmas on the horizon."

Those British findings about Halloween hold up well when compared to data the National Retail Federation recently compiled. The NRF says this year Americans, adults and children alike, will spend $7.4 billion on Halloween, of which $2.8 billion will go toward Halloween costumes.

"As one of the fastest-growing consumer holidays, Halloween has retailers of all shapes and sizes preparing their stores and websites for the busy fall shopping season," NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay said last month.

"There's no question that the variety of adult, child and even pet costumes now available has driven the demand and popularity of Halloween among consumers of all ages," he added. "And, with the holiday falling on a Friday this year, we fully expect there will be a record number of consumers taking to the streets, visiting haunted houses and throwing unforgettable celebrations."