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Maya Blackstone is a consumer, business and technology reporter and producer for CBS News.

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Gelila Negesse

October 26, 2026 / 10:52 AM EDT / CBS News

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Americans are on track to spend a record $13.5 billion on Halloween this year amid rising costs associated with the national scarefest, according to the National Retail Federation.

Consumers are forecast to shell out $4.1 billion on candy alone. Cocoa costs remain elevated despite surging over the last two years, with shipping and other expenses also pushing up treat costs.

Despite higher prices, the NRF expects consumers to spend $400 million more on Halloween this year than in 2025, and $1.9 billion more than in 2024.…