Costume prices causing scares this Halloween, here’s why

(FOX40.COM) — Dressing up in a Halloween costume is putting a scare into buyers this year because of tariff trade wars.

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The Halloween and Costume Association reported that when the tariffs on Chinese Imports were first put into motion, costume stores scrambled to find ways to get products into stores on time and at prices that families can afford.

Some costume store owners said U.S. tariffs on imported goods from other countries have reduced available inventory for their stores and are leading to higher prices. HCA said that costumes that were priced at $19.99 jumped to $39.99.

Even simple masks, once priced at $4.99, could now cost $9.99, or more. HCA expects that, at double the price, many customers will simply not buy them.

“This is an existential moment for our industry,” Robert Berman, Halloween & Costume Association Board Member and President of a leading U.S. costume manufacturer, said. “Halloween isn’t like other holidays. If products don’t land on time or become too expensive for families, Halloween simply doesn’t happen. There is no backup plan.”

The tariffs are hitting some large costume stores with extra inventory charges of up to one million dollars. Most Halloween costumes sold in the United States are produced in China, Mexico and other countries subject to tariffs.

“It’s brutal,” Berman said. “These are goods that are weeks from shipping — not months. And because Halloween is a one-night event, if you miss that window, there’s no way to recover.”