Carinthians plan to spend more on Halloween this year

Customers in Carinthia are expected to spend around 50 euros on Halloween this year, slightly more than last year, ORF reported. Sweets, ornamental pumpkins and costumes are the most popular purchases, according to trade spokesperson Reimund Haberl.

Haberl said customers tend to spend more as a celebration approaches, a pattern he said applies to Halloween as well as Christmas. The seasonal sales opportunity comes as retailers face rising costs and expected wage increases. The coming heating season is also expected to be expensive.

A Chamber of Commerce survey found that eight in 10 customers prefer to buy Halloween items in local shops rather than online. Haberl said occasions such as Halloween offer retailers a welcome chance to generate sales.

Supporting local businesses is particularly important as costs rise, the report said, because they contribute to the stability of the regional economy.