Halloween Expected To Provide Boost To Economy
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) – Today is the big day as kids around the area are all geared up to go trick-or-treating.
But, Halloween isn't just for kids because it is actually one of the biggest holidays for consumer spending.
"When you buy things, you aren't as happy as when you buy experiences. And that's really what Halloween is," Elaine Luther, a business professor at Point Park University, said.
Luther said Halloween really has become a big experience for families. The National Retail Federation said consumers forked over some $6.9 billion for what has now become the fourth largest spending holiday, according to some researchers.
"It has become commercial. Even myself, I've fallen into the putting up lights for Halloween and my house looks like Christmas in orange and purple," Loretta Long said.
It's estimated that $158 million will celebrate the spookiest holiday of the year and on average, spend about $75.
"It's a lot of money going into the economy. And I think it's good people are having fun doing that," Luther said.
One item many people spend money on this time of year is candy for the trick-or-treaters. But, which candies are a big hit and which ones are a big dud? KDKA-TV's Heather Abraham went to Grandpa Joe's Candy Shop in the Strip District to find out.
Watch her report here:
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