We invite your media inquiries ... if you dare!

Halloween Costume Shortage Imminent as Record Demand Causes Empty Shelves and Consumer Frenzy

**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**

LAUREL, NJ (Oct 14, 2021) – The Halloween & Costume Association (HCA) has declared an official costume shortage just as both, the Centers for Disease Control& Prevention (CDC) director, Rochelle Walensky and the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAD) director, Dr. Anthony Fauci have given Trick or Treating the official green light!

“The fact that costume and décor sales are up 20-25% coupled with pandemic-related supply issues, have resulted in empty shelves all across the country. We are expecting a complete sell-out this year as well as a record setting Halloween for the entire industry,” said Gregor Lawson, Halloween & Costume Association Chairman and co-founder of MorphCostumes.

With the highly anticipated 3-day “Halloweekend” fast approaching, many industry insiders are predicting Halloween 2021 to be the biggest celebration nationwide since the inception of the pandemic in 2020.The National Retail Federation (NRF) is forecasting that consumers will spend a record $10.14 billion on Halloween related items this year, however, the HCA is predicting an $11 billion dollar spend!

As consumers clear the candy and costume shelves early this month, many will be left without. The HCA is now advising the estimated 272 million Americans that plan to celebrate Halloween, to buy a costume immediately to avoid disappointment.

So which costumes will be the hardest to find? According to Google’s FrightGeist, the witch, rabbit and dinosaur are currently in high demand and the HCA is experiencing record sales in group costumes, pop culture references, pirates, animals, and all things nostalgia!

Each year, the HCA develops national campaigns that focus on promoting the safe and fun celebration of Halloween. Their new website Halloween2021.org offers up safety guidelines, activity ideas and information on the latest costume trends and contests. From traditional trick or treating to a national dance challenge, this year is all about having a bucket full of options when deciding how to celebrate the 3-day long Halloweekend!

The HCA has countless costume connoisseurs available for interview. For tips, trends, & random reasons to sport a superhero suit, visit www.halloweencostumeassociation.org.

For Media Inquiries, Expert Commentary or Product Samples please contact Aneisha McMillan amcmillan@hiaonline.org / 910.849.9003

About the Halloween & Costume Association

Known as THE industry source for Halloween, with cumulative sales of $3 billion, the HCA has earned the title of “EXPERT” when it comes to all things costume related. These are the folks that live and breathe October all year long and can dish for days on the myths, legends, trends, traditions, safety tips and devilish details that only a true insider would know.