Here’s how Walmart customers are shopping for Halloween

Many consumers are starting their Halloween shopping before Labor Day.

A new survey of Walmart shoppers reveals broader trends in seasonal Halloween purchase trends.

Utilizing first-party data from its proprietary Walmart Luminate data analytics platform, the discount giant surveyed its customers about their Halloween shopping behavior. 

One-in-three surveyed Walmart customers say they are likely to buy Halloween-related items between June and August, with 66% saying they had made at least one Halloween purchase in the four weeks preceding Sept. 3, 2024 or planned to during the four weeks following that date. 

[READ MORE: How early Halloween is changing retail]

The biggest motivators cited for early Halloween shopping fear of missing out and the thrill of planning ahead. In addition, 31% of respondents who had made a seasonal purchase in the past four weeks said they usually shop impulsively for Halloween due to the following reasons (more than one answer accepted):

• 73% – I saw something I liked so I bought it.
• 66% – I get the first pick of the Halloween assortment.
• 60% – It’s just fun and makes me happy.
• 58% – I love the spooky season, and I can’t wait until October to celebrate.
• 48% – I hosted / am hosting a summertime Halloween party or event.
• 39% – I can find great deals on Halloween items.
• 8% – I was influenced by a social media trend or influencer.