Americans are divided on their favorite styles of Halloween costumes this year, and Goodwill is the top-ranked thrift store for do-it-yourselfers, according to the 2019 Goodwill Halloween poll.
This year’s survey found respondents who plan to dress up evenly are split on costume choices for themselves — with 28 percent saying they would most like to wear costumes based on pop culture trends or characters from movies, TV shows, video games or books; 27 percent saying they’d like to wear unique, one-of-a-kind costumes; and 25 percent favoring iconic Halloween costumes such as a witches, ghosts, zombies and werewolves.
The survey also found that people have a clear preference on the kinds of costumes they would like to see other people wear, with 36 percent saying they most like to see others dressed in unique, one-of-a-kind costumes. Second choice was an iconic Halloween costume, with 24 percent. The least favorite costume for others was a political or historical figure, with just 2 percent.
Goodwill ranks highest as a Halloween thrift store destination among respondents who prefer do-it-yourself (DIY) costumes and shop for materials at thrift stores. Eighty-five percent of respondents identify Goodwill as a favorite place to shop.
“Goodwill has always been a destination for shoppers searching for unique, one-of-a-kind fashions and costumes, which is why the Halloween season is our busiest time of year,” said Steven C. Preston, president and CEO of Goodwill Industries International. “Whether you’re a regular thrifter or do-it-yourselfer, or you’re just looking for a great costume at an affordable price, our stores provide a source of inspiration and have a wide range of Halloween merchandise to fit your needs. Additionally, each purchase funds education and career services for people going through life transitions so they can be equipped with the right skills and support, and achieve sustainably better futures through employment.”
The Halloween poll also found that 66 percent of DIYers look for costume ideas on social media or online. Pinterest was the number one source, with 39 percent saying they or members of their household visit the site for inspiration, followed by YouTube with 30 percent.
For more information about Goodwill’s Halloween poll, and to explore costume ideas, and DIY décor and makeup tutorials, visit goodwill.org/Halloween.
