Millions of Americans will embrace the season of witches and pumpkins this year as they spend nearly $75 each on Halloween costumes, candy and decorations, the National Retail Federation projected last week.

Total spending is expected to reach $6.9 billion, or $74.34 per person, down about 4 percent from last year.

An estimated 68 million Americans will dress up this Halloween, and 20 million plan on costuming their pet. Average spending on costumes for the family is expected to total $27.33. Those celebrating will spend the most on adult costumes ($1.2 billion) and a total of $950 million on children’s costumes and $350 million on costumes for their pets.

Trick-or-treaters will be pleased to know that 9 in 10 Halloween shoppers are expected to buy candy, spending a total of $2.1 billion, and about one-third will buy greeting cards, spending a total of $330 million.

Less than half, 45 percent, plan to decorate their home or yard, with the average person spending $20.34.

About 41 percent of people plan to carve pumpkins, and nearly one-third plan to throw or attend a party.

Chicago Tribune