Why Halloween spending is up when Americans are financially fragile

U.S. consumers will spend over $11 billion on costumes and decorations this year, which is about half the amount spent annually on dental care for children under age 17.

Halloween was once a time of both tricks and treats. Lately, Halloween has become one big treat for businesses, with consumers spending an estimated $11.6 billion on this one-night holiday. That’s roughly the same amount of money as Americans spend on children’s books each year.