Americans splurging on Halloween candy

Americans are purchasing more Halloween candy at this point this year than they did in 2019, according to the market research firm IRI and the National Confectioners Association (NCA).

Sales for Halloween candy were up 13 percent over last year in the month ending Sept. 6, according to NCA. Sales of Halloween chocolate alone are up 25 percent. 

This comes as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is advising against “higher risk activities” that could increase the spread of coronavirus, such as traditional trick-or-treating, indoor costume parties and visiting haunted houses.

“Many traditional Halloween activities can be high-risk for spreading viruses,” the CDC wrote in guidance published Monday.

New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) recently announced that he won’t ban trick or treating in the state, though some cities across the country have banned trick-or-treating completely this year

According to an NCA survey, 80 percent of people this month believe that they will find “creative and safe ways to celebrate the Halloween season this year,” up from 63 percent two months earlier in July.