#US #Rockville #Goodwill #Halloween #DIY Costumes

The Rise of Thrift Stores in Halloween Costuming

As Halloween approaches, a growing trend among shoppers is evident: thrifting. A recent survey from Goodwill Industries International reveals that for 2025, 87% of Americans plan to celebrate Halloween, a noticeable uptick from the previous year. With affordability in mind, many consumers are turning to thrift stores for their festive needs.

Thriving DIY Culture Among Young Shoppers

About 62% of adults celebrating Halloween this year prefer to create their own costumes, a figure that has risen significantly since 2024. Among Gen Z, a striking 63% report searching thrift stores for materials, highlighting a major shift towards unique, sustainable costume creation. Goodwill has emerged as the go-to destination for these DIY enthusiasts, with 84% preferring to shop there for Halloween items.

The survey indicates that 76% of shoppers appreciate Goodwill's sustainability efforts, with Gen Z (84%) and Millennials (81%) showing even higher regard for eco-friendly practices.

The Paint of Sustainability

According to Onney Crawley, Chief Marketing Officer at Goodwill Industries International, Halloween shoppers—especially younger generations—are merging style with sustainability. “Their passion for sustainable fashion is fueling a thrifting movement like never before,” Crawley states. At Goodwill, shoppers not only craft unique eco-friendly costumes but also support local communities through vital career services funded by their purchases.

Saving Money While Having Fun

For those aiming to grab costumes without overspending, nearly 70% of costume-wearers are prioritizing affordability, making thrift shops the smart choice this Halloween. A notable 65% of Gen Z participants expressed their intent not to allocate substantial funds for costumes, confirming the widespread preference for thrifty shopping.

The Costume Creativity Unleashed

Halloween spirit is also thriving, with nearly 65% of households planning to have a member in costume this year, a jump from 58% in 2024. This enthusiasm for dressing up is especially pronounced among younger groups, with 48% of Gen Z and 52% of Millennials participating in the fun. Moreover, even pets are getting in on the act, as 12% of respondents indicate plans to dress up their furry friends!

As for costume inspiration, 29% of those dressing up are leaning towards themes from movies, TV shows, video games, or books, while 28% favor traditional Halloween classics like ghosts and vampires. A further 22% are opting for completely unique and personalized creations.

Social Media as the New Costume Resource

Platforms like Pinterest (34%), YouTube (32%), and TikTok (24%) play a central role in costume ideation, especially among Gen Z, where more than half turn to these social media sites for ideas. This emphasizes the significant role that digital influences now play in shaping Halloween trends.

Beyond Costumes: Thrifting for Halloween Decor

In addition to costumes, 23% of consumers are shopping for Halloween decorations at thrift stores. Younger generations, namely Gen Z and Millennials (26%), appear to be the most active segments in this category. Interestingly, shoppers favor in-store experiences, with 70% preferring to browse physical locations for DIY costume materials.

DIY Resources from Goodwill

For those embracing the DIY trend and looking for unique, sustainable costume and home décor ideas, the Goodwill Halloween microsite offers a plethora of resources, including:

• - Costume planners with group and pop culture-themed ideas.
• - Costume generators featuring quick and affordable last-minute ideas.

For more details, visit Goodwill's Halloween page.

About Goodwill Industries International

Goodwill has a long-standing commitment to enhancing the quality of life for individuals and their families. For over 120 years, Goodwill organizations across North America have been instrumental in supporting people in their journey towards employment through a variety of job training and placement services.

In 2024 alone, Goodwill assisted over 2.1 million people in gaining skills, accessing resources, and advancing their careers through supportive community programs. With over 150 local organizations operating more than 3,400 outlets and retail stores in the U.S. and Canada, Goodwill is a critical player in workforce development.

To locate a Goodwill near you or find out more, visit goodwill.org. Follow Goodwill across social media platforms for updates and inspiration.