Halloween brings Vienna retailers around 20 million euros

Halloween has become a regular shopping occasion in Vienna, bringing retailers around 20 million euros, ORF reports. Five days before the holiday, preparations are in full swing.

Seven in 10 Viennese residents say they will give children sweets, according to a survey by KMU Forschung Austria for the Vienna Chamber of Commerce. Those who shop specifically for Halloween spend an average of around 50 euros.

Sweets are the most popular purchase, followed by costumes, spooky decorations and ornamental pumpkins. Jewellery and make-up are also in demand. The spending benefits food retailers as well as shops selling clothing, decorations and accessories. Some 85 percent of respondents do their Halloween shopping in local stores.

Halloween is especially popular among younger people: around two-thirds of those aged 15 to 29 plan to celebrate, with participation similarly high among people aged 30 to 39.

Vienna’s Wurstelprater amusement park will host five days of Halloween events from 27 to 31 October. A free children’s programme will run daily from 2pm to 5pm, with pumpkin carving, face painting, magic shows and an interactive circus. The celebration has been extended for the Prater’s 260th anniversary, but the traditional parade has been cancelled. Actors will create a spooky atmosphere at selected attractions on the evening of 31 October. Costumes are welcome, but weapons and weapon-like costume accessories are prohibited.