COUNTY LIFE
Halloween trends
With Halloween just around the corner, many retailers are getting ready for an ever-increasing amount of consumers shopping for candy, costumes and ghoulish decorations. Since the NRF has estimated that consumers will spend a a record-breaking total of $9.1 billion on Halloween this year, we decided to get a closer look by surveying over 1,000 U.S. consumers to get a better understanding of the top trends.
Our 2017 Halloween survey found that the average consumer will spend over $75 total on Halloween candy, costumes and other essentials.
Below are a few additional survey results we gathered on top consumer trends:
1. How early do you start decorating for Halloween?
Our survey shows that, of those decorating, a majority of consumers (25%) start in the middle of October. Meanwhile, 24% get started early, hanging up ghouls and goblins at the end of September. 31% decorate in the beginning of October, 20% wait until right before the holiday to get into the spirit and the last 3% wait to make their home spooky until the day-of!
2. How much do you plan to spend on candy this Halloween?
We have discovered that the average consumer will spend about $25.57 on candy this Halloween. 39% of consumers will be spending $20 or less this month on candy, probably heading to the discount stores they know and love for a great deal. 33% will be spending anywhere from $21-$40, and a smaller 10% admitting they spend $41-$60. However, some consumers refuse to hold back when it comes to candy this Halloween, with 8% stating they will spend $61 or more.
3. What is your favorite Halloween candy?
Year after year, Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups remain the favorite at 32%. Kit Kat and Twix take number 2 and 3, at 19% and 18%, respectively. 17% prefer to be given M&M’s after they knock on your door and other favorites are Nerds (7%) and Lollipops (7%).
4. How will you get your Halloween costume?
We broke down this data to compare the trends in costume shopping habits in Women vs. Men. Overall, the majority of consumers will be making their costume this year. However, Women are 9% more likely than Men to make their own costumes. While Men are 3% more likely than Women to re-wear a costume they already own.
To see all our nation-wide and state by state survey results, you can visit our Halloween Shopping and Spending Habits blog post.
Take time to remember all those who gave all for our freedoms in America. The Bowie News staff wishes you a safe and happy holiday day weekend this Memorial Day. The News office will be closed on Monday for the holiday.
AUSTIN – With Memorial Day weekend marking the unofficial start to summer boating season, Texas Game Wardens are preparing for one of the busiest boating weekends of the year and reminding Texans and visitors alike to put safety first before heading out on the water.
In 2025, Texas recorded 178 reportable boating incidents that resulted in 50 fatalities and 77 serious injuries. Eighty-four percent of those who died in boating incidents were not wearing a life jacket. Texas Game Wardens also made 223 Boating While Intoxicated (BWI) arrests last year.
“Memorial Day weekend is when many families get back on the water for the first time this year,” said Col. Ron VanderRoest, director of Law Enforcement for the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. “Before you leave the dock, take a few minutes to make sure your life jackets are on board, your boat is properly equipped and you have designated a sober operator.”
Texas Game Wardens encourage boaters to keep the following in mind before launching:
- Wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket. Children younger than 13 are required to wear one while underway.
- Never operate a boat under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- The operator must wear the lanyard or have the engine cut-off switch fob on their person when operating a boat equipped with one.
- Operate at a safe speed and maintain a proper lookout.
- Take a boater education course. It is required for anyone born on or after Sept. 1, 1993.
- Check the weather before heading out and be prepared for changing conditions.
- Leave a float plan with someone you trust.
- Don’t overload your boat.
“Boating should be fun,” said VanderRoest. “A little planning and some common sense help keep it that way.”
Renting a Boat or Personal Watercraft
If you plan to rent a boat or personal watercraft, choose a licensed vessel livery (a business establishment engaged in renting or hiring out vessels for profit).
By law, vessel liveries must provide all required safety equipment, explain how to operate the vessel, review applicable boating laws and have the operator sign a form acknowledging they received this information. They are also required to carry liability insurance.
Before leaving the dock, renters should make sure the vessel has enough life jackets for everyone on board and that they understand basic operating rules, including those specific to personal watercraft.
Personal Watercraft Safety
Personal watercraft, including jet skis, are subject to special laws in Texas. Operators and passengers must always wear a life jacket, the operator must use the engine cut-off switch, and these vessels may not be operated between sunset and sunrise. Operators must also stay at least 50 feet from other vessels, people and the shore unless traveling at headway speed.
“Whether you’re launching your own boat or renting one for the day, take the time to understand the rules and make safety part of your plan,” said VanderRoest. “If you take safety seriously from the start, you’re far less likely to need help later.”
For more information about boating laws, required equipment and boater education courses, visit the TPWD Boater Education Program at tpwd.texas.gov/boatereducation.
Starting at noon on May 25 at The V (VFW) in Nocona there will be a program for the Memorial Day featuring speakers, cannons and a rifle team.
There will be a Memorial Day Celebration Dinner at 5 p.m. on May 25 at the Nocona Senior Citizens Center (Carpenter Shop).
Call for reservations at 940-825-3148. The meal will include barbecue ribs, french fries, beans, cole slaw, dessert and ice team. Adults are $10 and children $5.
Proceeds benefit the senior center and the Meals on Wheels program at Nocona.
-
NEWS3 years agoSuspect indicted, jailed in Tia Hutson murder
-
NEWS4 years ago2 hurt, 1 jailed after shooting incident north of Nocona
-
NEWS3 years agoSO investigating possible murder/suicide
-
NEWS3 years agoWreck takes the life of BHS teen, 16
-
NEWS3 years agoMurder unsolved – 1 year later Tia Hutson’s family angry, frustrated with no arrest
-
Show us something good9 years agoCountry music star children perform in Bowie
-
NEWS3 years ago
Sheriff’s office called out to infant’s death
-
100th Birthday4 years agoLooking back at the 1958 Centennial edition of The Bowie News