Texans love to celebrate Halloween, and this year the state’s retailers are answering the demand with larger‑than‑life decorations and early inventory. The official start of the season arrived on October 1, but stores have been preparing since July, ensuring that shoppers can find everything from towering animatronics to pet costumes.
Record spending fuels bigger displays
The National Retail Federation reports that Halloween spending is expected to reach a record $13.1 billion in 2026, up from $11.6 billion in 2024 and $12.2 billion in 2023. The upward trend reflects both national enthusiasm and Texas’s reputation for doing things on a grand scale.
Texans plan to celebrate in multiple ways
According to Prosper Insights & Analytics, 73 % of consumers intend to observe the holiday. Of those, 66 % plan to hand out candy, 51 % will wear a costume, another 51 % intend to decorate their homes, 46 % will carve pumpkins, and 24 % plan to dress their pets in costumes.
Early shopping becomes the norm
Retailers have shifted their stocking strategy to avoid over‑stocking later in the season. As a result, 49 % of shoppers begin their Halloween purchases in September, a pattern that stores have embraced by ordering larger quantities earlier.
Oversized decorations dominate the aisles
Major chains such as Home Depot, Lowe’s, Tractor Supply and HEB are offering Texas‑sized items. A 12‑foot animatronic “nightwalker” at Lowe’s retails for $450, while Home Depot sells a 15‑foot scarecrow for $300. Tractor Supply’s 6‑foot animatronic scarecrow is priced at $279. These eye‑catching pieces are designed to draw shoppers into stores and encourage larger purchases.
Local observations from the field
During a weekend visit to central Texas, the author noted a wide variety of decorations, including farm‑themed displays, dog‑specific costumes, and classic headless horsemen. The sheer size of many items reinforced the state’s “everything is bigger” reputation.
What this means for Texas businesses
Early and oversized inventory helps retailers capture a larger share of the projected $13.1 billion market. By offering unique, large‑scale items, stores differentiate themselves from online competitors and create in‑store experiences that encourage impulse buying.
Looking ahead
With consumer enthusiasm high and spending on track for a record year, Texas retailers are poised to benefit from the holiday’s economic boost. Shoppers can expect continued variety and size throughout October, culminating in a festive season that lives up to the state’s reputation for grandeur.
Original reporting: News/Talk 790 KFYO (Lubbock) — read the source article.
