Halloween continues to grow into a full-season shopping event. The National Retail Federation expects consumers to spend $13.5 billion on Halloween in 2026, with decorations accounting for an estimated $4.3 billion and costumes another $4.4 billion. Nearly half of consumers began shopping in September or earlier.
So, what’s catching shoppers’ attention this year? Skeletons, animatronics, oversized yard displays, interactive technology, and fandom-driven costumes are among the biggest trends.
At The Home Depot, the 12-foot SKELLY returns with upgrades including app-controlled movement, custom sounds, and Bluetooth voice modulation. New giant displays include an 11-foot mummy and an 8-foot animated plant monster. The retailer says its giant animatronics are priced below $300, making large-scale displays more accessible.
Costco is also going big, offering oversized pieces such as a 62-inch groundbreaking skeleton with LCD moving eyes and sound, along with a 10-foot Jack Skellington with lights and music.
At Lowe’s, skeletons, tombstones, inflatables, and motion-activated animatronics are among the featured 2026 trends. Current best sellers include talking skeletons, witches, pumpkins, and other interactive displays.
Target is combining affordable décor with pop culture. Nearly 70% of its Halloween collection is new, with about 60% exclusive to Target. Popular offerings include poseable skeletons, ghost décor, and costumes tied to K-Pop Demon Hunters, Pokémon, Marvel, and other fan favorites.
For online shoppers, Amazon is seeing interest in more understated Halloween décor, including gothic accents, lighted garlands, pumpkins, candles, and seasonal pieces that can transition into fall décor.
For retailers, the message is clear: Halloween shoppers are looking for value, personalization, and experiences, whether that means a $5 ghost decoration or a 12-foot talking skeleton.
