Prices for candy and gum jumped 7.5% in September compared with the same month last year, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Americans are expected to spend a record $12.2 billion this Halloween on candy, costumes and other expenses, according to the National Retail Federation, a trade association. Crystal Johnson is cutting back on Halloween candy this year because of sticker shock. “We’re just having to cut back in places like Halloween candy," she said. Mixed bags of candy are going for about $15 in her area, up from about $11 last year, she said.

Source: Wall Street Journal October 27, 2023 17:46 UTC