Candy prices jump 7.7 percent ahead of Halloween
Chicago-area shoppers face steep increases in confectionery and costume costs, prompting a shift toward wholesale stores and community swaps.
By Claire Castillo ·
Candy prices in the Chicago area have climbed 7.7 percent over the past year, a rate that exceeds the 1.8 percent increase seen in general grocery items. Data analyzed by the ABC7 Data Team shows that confectionery costs are rising at more than four times the pace of overall grocery inflation.
Shoppers are adjusting their habits to manage the higher expenses. Claudia Santiago compares prices across different retail locations and online platforms to find the best value. Robert Smith, responsible for purchasing candy for the Five Peas in a Pod Halloween Party at Westinghouse High School, reported paying $85 for ten bags of candy. He noted that the expense made staying within budget difficult. Smith ultimately purchased his stock at Stock 'n Save in Hermosa, a wholesaler open to the general public.
Stock 'n Save owner Mo Fattah said the family-run business is absorbing some of the higher costs to maintain affordability. "It's been tough. Even if the cost on us increases, we try to reduce that as much as we can. But that's why, you know, thankfully we get a lot of customers here," Fattah said. The store will host a free community Halloween party on Saturday.
Retailers are grappling with the financial pressure. Rob Karr, president and CEO of the Illinois Retail Merchants Association, explained that businesses must balance keeping customers happy with the need to recover costs. "The struggle is real. I mean, you know. They want to stay open. They want to keep customers happy, but they also have to stay open. They have to recover their costs," Karr said.
Costume prices are also rising, creating a financial burden for families with multiple children. Marisa Ikpoh, founder of The Give and Receive, said the cumulative cost of dressing her four daughters for the holiday is substantial. To alleviate the expense, Ikpoh is hosting a pop-up costume swap called the Boo-tique at the 36th Ward Office on Friday. The event allows families to exchange used costumes rather than buying new ones. Ikpoh said, "Maybe the parents can't afford it, so let's step in and be a community, right? We always have some old costumes hanging around, so why not exchange them with other people?"
Organizers will accept costume donations following Halloween to stock next year's event. More details are available at thegivenreceive.org.
Source: ABC7 Los Angeles
