Unfortunately, many shops are still guessing what Halloween lines will sell, rather than looking at their own sales data first.
Retailers’ Key Takeaways
- Record Spending: Spending on Halloween in Australia is predicted to hit $510 million in 2026.
- Higher Average Spend: The average shopper will spend more this year, indicating a base of more committed Halloween shoppers.
- Universal Appeal: Novelty gifts, treats, and cards can sell in any sized shop.
- Data-Driven Decisions: Last year's POS inventory records demonstrate which lines earned their place and which didn't.
- Impulse Buys: Counter merchandising increases average basket value with low-cost, high-margin impulsive goods.
The Halloween Retail Opportunity in Australia in 2026
Australians will spend $510 million on Halloween in 2026, a 2% increase over the previous year.
Source: Roy Morgan Halloween Spending Forecasts 2026
While overall Halloween participation will drop slightly from 21% to 18%, those who do participate will spend significantly more. We now have more committed Halloween shoppers, meaning total spending is likely to be greater.
Halloween Shopping in Australia 2026
Halloween shopping in 2026 will be all about costumes, decorations, and sweets. Here’s a breakdown of what each category looks like and what it means for your shelves.
What Treats Are Selling?
The most popular category for Australian customers is Halloween treats. Lollies, sour mixtures, and novelty gummies, for example, sit easily beside your normal counter confectionery. Among Halloweeners, an estimated 38% say they will hand out treats for trick-or-treating when kids come knocking at the door. Given the current prices of chocolate, it is expected that many people will move to cheaper alternatives like novelty gummies, sour mixtures, and lollipop assortments.
What Costumes and Accessories Are Selling?
Full costumes require a lot of room, and the trouble is that if they don't sell, you can get trapped with them until next year. However, many shops successfully sell masks, wigs, capes, face paint, and novelty glasses if they don’t want to give up floor space to full costumes. Remember, 37% of Halloween attendees plan to purchase costumes.
What Decorations Are Selling?
Shoppers buy Halloween decorations to make their homes a welcome place for trick-or-treaters. Many households buy them specifically to show they are open to visitors. Approximately 32% of Halloween shoppers will purchase decorations.
Who Is the Biggest Spender?
Young adults are the largest spenders this year. Adults aged 18–34 will spend an average of $134 per person.
How Retailers Can Use POS Data to Plan for Halloween Stock
POS data is essential for planning stock to see what you’ve sold and what to order and display. Your shop’s Point of Sale (POS) system records your own customers’ purchases from last year.
First, open your inventory report. Run an inventory report in POSBrowser for late September through October 31st of last year, filtered by item movement. For example, your lollipop packets might sell out in week one, but the face paint stays on the rack.
Then, look for three things:
- Fast movers: Items needing extra room and early reorders.
- Slow sellers: Items that require a discount or need to be bundled into a package.
- Missed opportunities: Recall the gaps when customers inquired about an item and you didn't have it in stock.
Use these insights to safeguard your margin. Don’t estimate what will sell in your location. Before you buy, look at the previous year’s stats.
How Counter Displays Drive Halloween Impulse Sales
A counter display is a checkout merchandising set-up that encourages minor, unexpected purchases. Every square metre of your shop has to earn its keep, and the counter is the greatest place for low-cost, high-margin lines.
Meanwhile, clients waiting to pay have time to browse. You want items that need no explanation. Some good choices for counter stock are:
- Pre-packed lolly bags
- Halloween-themed items, glow sticks, and clip-on safety lights
- Safe face paint kits and temporary tattoos
How Do Halloween Bundles Increase Profit?
Halloween bundling is the art of creating one promotional pack by pairing slower-moving goods with high-demand items. Its a great way to increase the sale. Parents with little time are typically willing to pay a little extra for convenience. For example, a parent going to a school Halloween disco would rather buy one ready-made kit than rummage through three aisles.
You can build each bundle on your POS system under one barcode. That way, the system tracks margin and stock for the full pack seamlessly.
Final Thoughts
Halloween retail sales in 2026 will reward shops that plan using real data, not guesswork. Leverage your POS system today to secure your share of the $510 million opportunity.
Written by:
Bernard Zimmermann is the founding director at POS Solutions, a leading point-of-sale system company with 45 years of industry experience. He consults to various organisations, from small businesses to large retailers and government institutions. Bernard is passionate about helping companies optimise their operations through innovative POS technology and enabling seamless customer experiences through effective software solutions.
