Halloween spending is expected to reach its highest level, exceeding all other years on record with 73% of Americans intending to celebrate the spooky season, up from 69% in 2022 and 65% in 2021, according to the National Retail Federation’s (NRF) annual survey conducted by Prosper Insights & Analytics. The study estimates consumer spending on Halloween-related items to reach $12.2 billion, exceeding last year’s record of $10.6 billion.

Shoppers should not let those spending numbers frighten away their fun; they can find great deals to celebrate the season at retailers like Goodwill North Central Wisconsin (Goodwill NCW).

“Since 1971, Goodwill NCW has served as the Original Halloween Headquarters for communities across north central Wisconsin,” Kris Rihn Vice President of Retail Operations at Goodwill NCW said. “Once again, we are excited this year to welcome customers looking for one-of-a-kind costumes, new and used accessories and unique festive fall décor.”

Shoppers at Goodwill NCW retail store locations in north central Wisconsin can find secondhand costumes that are ready to wear or create a unique look that frights or delights. According to the NRF study, 50% of Americans plan to dress in costume this year. Top costumes for kids in order of popularity include Spiderman, their favorite princess, a ghost, superhero and a witch. Top costumes for adults include witch, vampire, Barbie, Batman and a cat.

Movies, TV and Pop Culture trends that are inspiring costumes this year include Barbie from the popular “Barbie” movie, Wednesday Addams from the Netflix show “Wednesday,” Ariel from Disney’s “The Little Mermaid,” Mario and Luigi, Rhianna’s look from this year’s Super Bowl, Beyonce and Taylor Swift.

Shoppers at Goodwill NCW not only find one-of-a-kind looks, but they can also feel good about their Halloween purchases. Goodwill NCW store sales support the nonprofit’s mission of Elevating People by Eliminating Barriers to Employment. On average, 90 cents of every dollar in store sales is reinvested back into local communities to provide pathways that lead to sustained employment and improved financial stability.

For more fun Halloween ideas, including hair and makeup tutorials, one-of-a-kind costumes and festive decorations, visit Goodwill NCW’s Original Halloween Headquarters website.

Goodwill North Central Wisconsin (Goodwill NCW) is a tax-exempt organization with a mission of Elevating People by Eliminating Barriers to Employment. Support from donors and shoppers provide pathways for people who are underserved, underrepresented or disadvantaged who have a goal of building job skills that lead to sustained employment and improved financial stability. Goodwill NCW advances its impact through mission programs, mission-integrated operations and community partnerships across north central Wisconsin. Learn more at goodwillncw.org