PENNSYLVANIA — Halloween might be the year’s most spirited retail season, but 2025’s shoppers are keeping one eye on the mirror and the other on their wallets. A new survey of 3,011 Pennsylvanians by Montana Capital reveals where residents are finding their favorite costumes—and how they’re paying for the fun.
Topping the list of the state’s best costume stores was Pittsburgh Public Theater Costume Rentals, followed by Pierre’s Costumes in Philadelphia and Sherwood Fineries in Lancaster. Each shop represents a distinct side of Pennsylvania’s creative economy—where craftsmanship, history, and sustainability meet seasonal consumer demand.
At Pittsburgh Public Theater, thousands of stage-quality garments are available for rent, offering authenticity rarely found in retail costume outlets. Pierre’s Costumes, a Philadelphia institution with deep ties to film and television, remains the go-to source for historically accurate attire. Meanwhile, Sherwood Fineries in Lancaster has built a niche around eco-conscious Renaissance and fantasy designs, reimagining costume-making with a zero-waste ethos.
Beyond Pennsylvania’s top picks, the survey also sheds light on changing Halloween spending habits. Two-thirds of respondents said they’re sticking to cash or debit purchases this year, while just over a quarter will rely on credit. Only 3 percent plan to use personal loans or “buy now, pay later” options—evidence that caution is the season’s prevailing mood.
More than half of those surveyed (52%) said they plan to spend less this Halloween, citing inflation and higher household costs. Another 43% expect to spend about the same, while 6% plan to splurge, treating the holiday as a well-earned escape from tighter years past.
When asked where they’d cut back, decorations topped the list at 30%, followed by party expenses (28%), with candy and costumes each at 21%. Still, most Pennsylvanians described Halloween as “a small but worth-it treat,” though nearly one in three admitted the costs “add stress they can’t really afford.”
Social expectations also weigh on family budgets: 46% of parents cited their children as the biggest source of spending pressure, followed by friends (30%) and social media (25%).
Some are choosing thrift over theatrics—51% reported reusing last year’s costume, and 14% said they’ve borrowed money just to attend or host a Halloween party.
“Halloween should be fun, not financially frightening,” said Shir Amram, Chief Operating Officer at Montana Capital. “People still love the excitement of the season—they’re just finding smarter ways to enjoy it. Whether that means recycling costumes, shopping secondhand, or skipping a few extras, there’s no reason you can’t keep the spirit alive on a budget.”
The findings highlight a broader consumer trend: even during peak retail holidays, inflation-conscious shoppers are redefining how they celebrate. While costume shops like those in Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, and Lancaster continue to thrive on creativity and tradition, this year’s Halloween season reflects a subtler truth—Americans are learning to celebrate smarter, not just louder.
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