No Tricks, Just Treats: Halloween Trends Emerge from Meijer's Study in the Midwest

As Halloween approaches, families in the Midwest are gearing up for the spooky season, with traditions planned and excitement in the air. According to a recent survey conducted by Meijer in collaboration with Harris Poll, the holiday is set to bring a mix of excitement and budget considerations for many families this year.

Understanding Halloween Plans in the Midwest

The survey gathered insights from over 1,000 adults across several Midwestern states, including Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, and Wisconsin. It highlighted key trends that portray how families will celebrate this beloved holiday. Interestingly, one in four respondents indicated that value would be more significant than ever in their Halloween preparations this season.

Furry Friends Join the Festivities

In a delightful twist, 33% of participants plan to dress their pets for Halloween, signaling a growing trend in incorporating furry family members into the celebrations. Recognizing this, Meijer has expanded its lineup of pet costumes, allowing four-legged friends to join in on the spooky fun as they compete for best-dressed accolades.

Sweet Treats Take Center Stage

Halloween wouldn't be complete without treats, and the survey indicates that a whopping 91% of Midwestern families will be purchasing candy this year. Chocolate reigns supreme, with 78% of respondents favoring it over other varieties. Fruit-flavored candies follow closely, with 53% planning to stock up on those as well. Meijer's candy offerings this season include popular brands such as Reese's and Brach's at competitive prices that cater to those focused on budget-friendly options.

Quick Dinner Solutions for Busy Families

Amid the festivities and trick-or-treating, nearly half (49%) of Midwesterners admitted they typically opt for quick and easy meals like pizza on Halloween night. This choice reflects not only the busy schedules families maintain but also the need to prioritize convenience during this hectic time.

Decorating for the Spooky Season

In addition to acquiring candy, 70% of respondents plan to decorate their homes and yards this Halloween. This demonstrates a vibrant enthusiasm for transforming living spaces into spooky spectacles that delight both residents and trick-or-treaters alike.

Balancing Fun with Budget

As families aim to create memorable traditions, 25% expressed intentions to spend less on Halloween than in previous years. With budget-conscious consumers in mind, Meijer has ensured that many of its decorations are priced at $10 or less, alongside affordable costumes for both people and pets, majorly under $25. This dedication to offering value while maintaining a joyful shopping experience is evident in Meijer's marketing approach.

Meijer's Commitment to Halloween Cheer

Don Sanderson, Meijer's director of marketing and merchandising, highlighted the importance of this festive tradition, stating that Halloween is rooted in family fun. He reinforced Meijer's mission to enable families to continue forging special memories while keeping costs manageable. In addition to costumes and decorations, Meijer offers regional pumpkins at $4.99, perfect for carving with family.

The complete offerings for Halloween can be explored further online at meijer.com, where customers can find deals that meet their festive needs without stretching their budgets.

About Meijer

Meijer is a privately-owned, family-managed retail chain that serves communities through over 500 supercenters, grocery stores, neighborhood markets, and express locations across the Midwest. Established as a pioneer in one-stop shopping, Meijer aims to enhance the shopping experience for its customers by providing fresh food, quality clothing, and household necessities. The company boasts more than 70,000 employees committed to serving its customers effectively and efficiently, earning a reputation as a great workplace while actively donating to local communities. For more details about Meijer, visit their newsroom at newsroom.meijer.com.

Survey Methodology

The insights shared in this article stem from an online survey conducted by The Harris Poll on behalf of Meijer, conducted between August 24 and 26, 2026. The accuracy of Harris Poll’s online surveys is assessed using a Bayesian credibility interval, with a margin of error of +/-3.6 percentage points at a confidence level of 95% for the data collected. For information regarding survey methodologies or weighting variables, please contact Meijer.