Oct 6, 2021
No Tricks, All Treats: Great Halloween Finds Available
at Goodwill of the Finger Lakes
Although Halloween may feel different again this year, the haunting traditions will continue for many households. Goodwill Industries International released findings from its annual Halloween Survey. The survey found that three in four Americans (74%) plan to celebrate Halloween this year. The most popular ways people plan to celebrate include giving out candy to trick-or-treaters (41%), wearing a costume or dressing up (34%), decorating their homes (34%) and attending a party (either in person or virtual) with family/friends (24%).
It also found that Halloween costumes based on pop-culture trends or characters from TV, movies, video games or books are the most popular among respondents planning to dress up this year. Twenty-eight percent preferred these kinds of costumes this year, followed by iconic Halloween costumes, such as witches, ghosts, zombies or werewolves (25%), and unique, one-of-a-kind costumes (24%).
Finally, the survey showed that two-thirds (66%) of adults who prefer DIY costumes say they or members of their household turn to social media and websites for DIY costume ideas and inspiration. Pinterest (32%) and YouTube (31%) are the top-cited social media platforms, followed by Facebook (22%), Instagram (20%) and TikTok (15%).
Our organization has seen a 28% increase in September, one of our busiest months, as shoppers prepare for Halloween, compared to September of last year. And as spending habits have changed over the past year, many have turned to their neighborhood Goodwill stores across the region for great costume ideas and decorative finds on a budget.
“We’ve seen many individuals coming in much earlier than last year to find great deals,” Vice President of Donated Goods Retail Dave Wiesner said. “And as the Halloween season is upon us, we expect the flow and excitement to continue as customers find their costume ideas.”
With DIY and ready-to-wear costumes for under $20, the money well spent is reinvested in the greater community, supporting Goodwill’s mission programs: 211/LIFE LINE, ABVI, Job Readiness and the Good Neighbor Program.
“Goodwill of the Finger Lakes has continued to support the community in many ways,” Vice President of Community Engagement Jennifer Boutte said. “We have seen a growth in demand as the pandemic has greatly impacted households across the region. From answering inquiries through our 211/LIFE LINE to providing much-needed supplies through our Good Neighbor Program, we could not have done this without the generous support of our community members, and shopping at our Goodwill retail stores plays a role in this.”
Visit goodwill.org/halloween for DIY costume, décor ideas, inspiration and how-tos.
For more survey findings and Halloween trends for this year, click here.
For more information on Goodwill of the Finger Lakes, store locations and hours, visit goodwillfingerlakes.org.
ABOUT GOODWILL OF THE FINGER LAKES
A 501(c)(3) charitable organization, Goodwill of the Finger Lakes prepares and empowers people with barriers to independence to be self-sufficient and contribute to their families and communities. Headquartered in Rochester, New York, Goodwill of the Finger Lakes’ mission programs, 211/LIFE LINE and the Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired (ABVI) have a very long and successful history of providing services to our region. The organization’s more than 600 employees use their passion and expertise to find innovative solutions to address pressing social needs. Each year, Goodwill of the Finger Lakes positively impacts the lives of more than 240,000 people. For more information, please visit goodwillfingerlakes.org.