North Little Rock shoppers prepare for Halloween as prices rise
Shoppers in North Little Rock will face higher holiday costs this year as nationwide retail totals climb. The projected expenses come as most families still plan to participate in seasonal traditions.
Total seasonal spending is expected to reach $13.5 billion this year, according to the National Retail Federation. That total marks a nearly 4% increase from 2025.
Consumers plan to spend an average of $115.14 per person. That figure is nearly unchanged from the $114.45 average reported in 2025. The group said 74% of consumers plan to celebrate this year.
Candy remains the most popular purchase for the holiday. Sweets will account for about $4.1 billion in total spending. Decorations are projected to reach $4.3 billion, and costumes will total $4.4 billion.
The cost of Halloween candy increased more than 78% between 2020 and 2025, according to Yahoo! Finance. The average full-size candy bar now costs about $3.45. In Argenta, residents guessed the price ranged between $1.75 and $4.
Costumes make up another major share of retail budgets. Expected spending includes:
- $2 billion on adult costumes
- $1.5 billion on children’s costumes
- $920 million on pet costumes
Comic book characters and superheroes rank among the top costume choices for children. Half of all adults also plan to wear a costume. Another 42% plan to decorate yards, carve pumpkins, or watch scary movies.
Shoppers are adjusting their habits to manage higher retail totals. About one-third plan to seek the best prices, the NRF said. Another 26% plan to look for coupons or store sales.
Early buying is also common. Half of surveyed shoppers planned to start in September or earlier. Discount stores remain the most popular retail destination.
About one-third of shoppers plan to visit specialty stores. Another 27% expect to buy online. Nearly half plan to use artificial intelligence tools to brainstorm ideas and plan parties.
Families in North Little Rock will celebrate the holiday on a Saturday this year. Argenta residents said they plan to trick-or-treat, attend parties, and spend time with family.
Retail trade groups track consumer spending patterns across seasonal holidays to evaluate public purchasing power. The survey data helps businesses prepare store inventories and set seasonal staffing levels.
Spending has increased more than 68% since 2019, but that figure is not adjusted for inflation. Participation remains above the 68% reported in 2019.
