Halloween Sales Hit $13.5B in 2024, Big-Box Stores Expand Giant Skeletons

Published on 10/31/2026 · Source: cnbc.com

AI Summary

Summarized by AI from the source below

Halloween spending in the US is expected to reach a record $13.5 billion in 2024, up from $8.8 billion in 2019, according to the National Retail Federation. Spending on Halloween decorations alone has increased from $2.6 billion to $4.3 billion in the same period. This surge in demand has led big-box retailers like Home Depot, Sam's Club, and Lowe's to expand their offerings of giant Halloween decorations, such as skeletons and animatronics.

Home Depot introduced its 12-foot skeleton called "Skelly" in 2020 at $299, which sold out quickly and sometimes resold for around $1,000. By 2024, Home Depot quadrupled Skelly production and expanded its giant Halloween decoration assortment fivefold. Other retailers have also followed with larger and more elaborate products, including Sam's Club's 12-foot animatronics and Lowe's 15-foot headless Skeleton Watcher. Home Depot has upgraded Skelly with app-controlled features allowing movement and interactive displays.

The growth of oversized Halloween decorations has led to increased store space dedicated to seasonal merchandise. Home Depot's Halloween displays have grown from a single endcap in 2013 to more than 800 square feet of floor space by 2026. This development signals retailers' response to rising consumer spending on Halloween, driven by demand for large, elaborate seasonal decorations.

This trend matters for ordinary investors as it shows a sustained increase in consumer spending and retailer investment in seasonal product lines, which can boost revenues and profitability for major retailers like Home Depot (HD), Sam's Club (owned by Walmart), and Lowe's. The significant lift in Halloween-related sales is a concrete driver for revenue growth during a historically important retail season.

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Our take

Opinion from the Newsstocks AI desk, not investment advice

The significant growth in Halloween spending and expanded product offerings suggests that retailers like Home Depot are benefiting from consumer enthusiasm for large, elaborate decorations. This trend could contribute to stronger seasonal sales and increased revenue. However, the story does not mention any risks or negative signals, so the outlook appears positive but dependent on continued consumer interest.

Key numbers

Expected total Halloween spending in 2024: $13.5 billion
Halloween spending in 2019: $8.8 billion
Halloween decoration spending in 2024: $4.3 billion
Halloween decoration spending in 2019: $2.6 billion

What could help

Rising Halloween spending indicates strong consumer demand for seasonal products.
Expanding product assortments and new features on giant decorations can increase sales.

The background

Seasonal product lines like Halloween decorations can boost retailer revenues by attracting customers and increasing seasonal sales volumes. Big-box stores often expand display space to capitalize on rising holiday demand.

Questions readers ask

Why are Home Depot's giant skeleton sales increasing?

Home Depot's 12-foot skeleton 'Skelly' debuted in 2020 and quickly sold out, prompting quadrupled production by 2024 and a fivefold increase in giant Halloween decorations due to strong demand.

How much are Americans expected to spend on Halloween in 2024?

Americans are expected to spend a record $13.5 billion on Halloween in 2024, up from $8.8 billion in 2019.

What new features does Home Depot offer on its giant skeleton 'Skelly'?

Home Depot offers an app-controlled version of Skelly that can move its head and mouth, let owners speak through it, and display American-flag eyeballs.