Halloween could be haunted by supply chain issues amid trick or treating rebound
Global News
When it comes to costumes and decorations, Canadians worried about inflation might come up with creative ways to cut costs this year.
The Halloween mood on Baruch Labunski’s Toronto street has been eerie the last two years – and not in a witches-and-goblins way.
“Throughout the pandemic nobody really put up decorations and there were hardly any kids,” he said.
This year, pumpkins have been sitting on his neighbours’ doorsteps since early September and his son has already picked out a costume.
“It feels like we’re getting back to normal,” he said. “I think Halloween is going to be bigger than ever.”
After two years of COVID-19 restrictions curbing Halloween, Canadians are expected to ramp up celebrations this year.
But the rising cost of goods and ongoing supply chain issues could put a kink in demand for costumes, candy and decorations.
New research by the Retail Council of Canada suggests 86 per cent of Canadians will spend the same or more on Halloween this year compared with last year, with many making purchases a month ahead of time.
Consumers also appear willing to open their wallets for a trendy new costume or to stock up on candy, with more than half of Canadians celebrating planning to spend more than $50.
