U.S. Halloween candy sales drop 6.7% as essentials costs rise

U.S. Halloween candy sales fell 6.7% in the month ending Oct. 17 from a year earlier, following an 11.7% mid-September decline that wiped out earlier seasonal gains. NielsenIQ says higher costs for essentials—including gasoline, which averaged $4.29 a gallon, nearly 40% above the prior year—are squeezing household budgets and curbing spending on treats. Shoppers are favoring smaller bags, the only size category to post sales growth, while large and extra-large bags have seen the steepest declines. Candy and gum prices have risen 44% over five years, compared with a 22.5% increase for food eaten at home; elevated cocoa costs have also contributed to pricier chocolate.