In 2011, data geeks were at the top of the coveted costume list, and this year is no different, especially with a looming election and several “geeky” heroes bursting onto the scene. Compare notes with last year’s list here.
We’ve even unearthed a costume list for the nerd in each of us. We’ll start there and then bring you an update on the data analytics of Halloween for 2012.
“Geeks” Embrace Internet Memes This Halloween
Felix Baumgartner (the supersonic skydiver) sets the tone for top geeky costume of the year, but we feel the real stars are Internet memes from current events this year.
Nearly everything a presidential candidate said or did became an image on the web, appearing on such social networks as Facebook, Twitter and Google+. The costumes based on the two most popular debate moments that will turn heads at your Halloween soiree – it’s a toss-up between a “binder full of women” and everyone’s favorite yellow bird from Sesame Street.
If making a political scene doesn’t do much for your costume inspiration, you could always go with toddler-in-tiara queen “Honey Boo Boo” or be “not impressed” like McKayla Maroney in reaction to her silver medal in the 2012 Olympic vault competition.
Halloween = Up to $10 Billion in Economic Impact
According to the National Retail Federation (NRF), the average person will spend just under $80 this year on spooky costumes, candy and decorations. Talk about a boost to the economy. With seven out of 10 Americans celebrating the spooky day, the expected economic impact is about $8 billion – an increase of 68.6% over last year.
However, 24/7 Wall Street considers the economic impact of Halloween to be closer to $10 billion. The analysts back their data up with some impressive analysis of census data, liquor and beer sales data as well as reports from the Haunted House Association, the Agricultural Marketing Resource Center (pumpkin data), the Bureau of Labor & Statistics, the Centers for Disease Control, Bureau of Transportation Statistics, NIH and other sources.
More spooktacular stats:
- Americans spend about two months prepping for the last day of October (NRF).
- Nearly 30% of Americans looked to social media for their costume ideas this year (NRF).
- 14.7% of Americans will dress up their pets this Halloween at a cost of about $310 million. The most popular pet attire? Pumpkins, devils and hot dogs (NRF).
- More than 35 million pounds of candy corn will be produced this year. That equates to nearly 9 billion pieces—enough to circle the moon nearly 21 times if laid end-to-end (National Confectioners Association).
- Alcohol consumption is up about 20% on Halloween, which equates to about $735 million in economic impact for that day alone (24/7 Wall Street).
- Halloween-related driving accounts for about $160 million in gasoline burned. (24/7 Wall Street).
- Entertainment revenue from movies, books, comics, etc., is projected to be about $100 million. That doesn’t even take into consideration the fascination with zombies and vampires, which equates to another $15 billion in economic impact each year (24/7 Wall Street).
What About the Frankenstorm?
Hurricane Sandy has put a lot of water in a lot of places and threatens Halloween night for nearly a quarter of the US population. Gov. Chris Christie has already promised New Jersey residents via Twitter that he will sign an executive order to postpone Halloween.
Other Northeastern towns and communities are either postponing parades and trick-or-treating or canceling events altogether. Big events in NYC have been shuffled around and will depend on the go-ahead from local authorities, according to a report in the Wall Street Journal.
The economic impact of the Frankenstorm is expected to be in the range of $10 billion to $20 billion, according to CNN Money.
Regardless of the storm’s impact, the night promises to be a big one for millions of Americans. Have a safe and happy Halloween wherever you are!
Amanda Brandon
Spotfire Blogging Team
