That Candy Thing-- Part 1

From the Oct. 28, 2012, Chicago Tribune "Small treats, big business" by Katie Nieland, Tribune graphics.

As we finish off the unclaimed Trick-or-Treat candy and that which we bought the day after for half price, here are some interesting facts from the Tribune.

According to the National retail Federation, more people planned to celebrate Halloween this year than in the past 10.  More than 7 of 10 Americans.  This means big business for candy manufacturers, as Halloween represents more than a third of all holiday spending.  Projections for candy-spending were are more than $2.4 billion.

PERCENTAGE OF SEASONAL CONFECTIONERY SALES

Halloween 33.6%  $2.38 billion
Easter 30.5%  $2.16 billion
Christmas 21.6%  $1.53 billion
Valentine's Day 14.3%  $1.01 billion

AND WHAT PEOPLE HAND OUT

Though more consumers plan to buy candy, fewer plan to hand it out to Trick-or-Treaters, meaning they're hoarding it for themselves.

Planning to buy candy: 96%

Planning to hand out candy: 75.7%

Of those who said the economy would affect their Halloween plans, 36.1% said they'd buy less candy.

Personally, I buy according to how many kids I think we'll get, usually 60 in our subdivision.

More Treats to Come.  --Cooter