Halloween is fast becoming a major unofficial holiday, at least based on consumer spending statistics. The National Retail Federation and Prosper Insights & Analytics forecast that Americans will spend $9.1 billion on the haunted holiday in 2017. According to the study, the figure is up 8.3 percent from last year’s previous record of $8.4 billion. That’s a lot of trick-or-treat spent on costumes, candy, snacks and Halloween parties.

The survey indicates that 16 percent of Halloween celebrants will dress up their pets in costumes. Are we entering a New Age of defining decadence down? Not really, but the fact is that Halloween celebration practices have evolved in a variety of ways over the last generation.

The nights of universal trick-or-treat are ending due to changing demographics and parental concerns. Back in the day, when neighborhoods were compact and social, parents would let the little ones loose on their own, and just expect them back with their bags full or candy by an hour certain. Unfortunately, we have devolved into a less safe society and parents need to keep a close watch on the Halloweeners. Only 31% of Halloween celebrants plan to actively trick-or-treat.

The big change in Halloween holiday practice is the move to parties and organized social events that don’t involve traditional outdoor trick-or-treating. Parents don’t want to deal with the vagaries of the weather or potentially unsafe conditions out on the street. Halloween parties are now in vogue; creating a new environment for increased spending on fashionable costumes, party favors and snack food.

Beef Jerky Outlet snacks offer some great alternatives to caramel apples and gummy bears. BJO products are a natural for premium Halloween party trays and favors. Prime Rib Beef Jerky sticks in .75 oz. size are a super party favor. The BJO Wild Game Sample Pack offers a 16-piece collection of 6 game jerky strips and 10 game meat sticks, comprised of no less than 9 different animals. There’s no reason to go begging house-to-house when you can offer treats like these without a tricky downside!

A visit to a local Beef Jerky Outlet store will be a revelation to Halloween party preppers. In addition to the beef and game jerky strips, we offer hunter’s sausage and over 100 varieties of packaged jerky in different sizes. Jerky party trays are just one of the options. BJO stores feature flavored popcorn, cheese and chocolates. And the Halloween pièce de résistance must be a Banana Scorpion Sucker or Chocolate Covered Ants. The Beef Jerky Outlet has a bill-of-fare to satisfy all, from Joe Normal to hobgoblins, ghosts and weekend zombies.

Halloween Spending to Reach Record $9.1 Billion in 2017
https://nrf.com/media/press-releases/halloween-spending-reach-record-91-billion

The rise and fall of Halloween trick-or-treating
http://www.chicagotribune.com/entertainment/ct-no-more-trick-treat-ent-1031-20161028-column.html

Why don’t kids trick or treat anymore?
https://splinternews.com/why-dont-kids-trick-or-treat-any-more-1793839968

5 Ways Halloween Has Changed Since You Were a Kid
http://abcnews.go.com/Lifestyle/ways-halloween-changed-kid/story?id=26581678

Decline of Trick-or-Treating Suggests We Live in a Perpetual State of Terror
http://dailyutahchronicle.com/2015/11/05/decline-of-trick-or-treating-proves-we-live-in-a-perpetual-state-of-terror/

No More Door-to-Door! Alternative Trick-or-Treating Ideas
https://portland.citymomsblog.com/activities/no-door-door-try-alternative-trick-treating-ideas/

Keep Kids Safe with 10 Trick or Treating Alternatives
https://www.thespruce.com/safer-trick-or-treating-alternatives-3129126

How To Throw a Halloween 'Trick-or-Treat' Party for Kids and Adults
https://www.nymetroparents.com/article/How-To-Throw-a-Halloween--Trick-or-TreatParty-for-Kids-and-Adults

28 Halloween Games for a Spooky (and Silly!) Party
http://www.goodhousekeeping.com/holidays/halloween-ideas/g2618/halloween-games/

Best 25+ Halloween Party Favors on Pinterest
https://www.pinterest.com/explore/halloween-party-favors/