The International Association of Haunted Attractions Expects Halloween Season to Scare Up More Than $5 Billion in '08
The International Association of Haunted Attractions expects Halloween-related sales to generate more than $5 billion in revenue in 2008. The Halloween season begins Friday with many of the nation's largest haunted attractions opening for business on Friday. Over the past 15 years the one-day event of Halloween has turned into one of the largest holiday seasons of the year, second only to Christmas.
Niles, MI (PRWEB) September 17, 2008
The International Association of Haunted Attractions, celebrating its tenth year representing the Halloween industry's finest, expects Halloween-related sales to generate more than $5 billion in revenue in 2008. Over the past 15 years the one-day event of Halloween has turned into one of the largest holiday seasons of the year, second only to Christmas.
"Halloween has turned into big business in the United States but at its core it will always be an opportunity for adults to be just as scared as we were when we were kids," International Association of Haunted Attractions president Tim Gavinski said. "The IAHA and its members go to great lengths to create the safest and scariest environments possible and those efforts have translated into continued economic growth for the industry."
According to a recent survey of adults 18 and over conducted for the industry, 58.7% of those surveyed responded that they would participate in Halloween activities this year. In addition, the average spending has risen to more than $64.82 per person, up from $44.50 just six years ago.
During the 2007 Halloween season, costume sales accounted for $1.82 billion, candy sales were at over $1.5 billion and decorations represented $1.39 billion. In 2008, the calendar appears to be working in the industry's favor, which has International Association of Haunted Attractions' officials optimistic about the upcoming season.
"With five weekends in October and Halloween falling on a Friday, we anticipate 2008 to be a banner year for fun and fear," Gavinski continued.
The International Association of Haunted Attractions is a non-profit organization celebrating its tenth anniversary of assisting and advancing the haunted attraction and entertainment industry through communication, education and information. The association has grown to include more than 400 members across the country. For more information on the International Association of Haunted Attractions, visit www. iahaweb. com.
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