Halloween 2026 Deals: Where to Shop and How to Save

Halloween 2026: where to shop and how to save

Halloween 2026 falls on Saturday, October 31, so there are only two shopping days left. If you're still hunting for a costume, extra candy or one more inflatable for the lawn, it helps to know how each retailer usually runs its Halloween season. Some sell out weeks ahead, some restock until the last day, and some start marking things down the moment the holiday is over. (Not sure about dates? See when is Halloween 2026.)

Prices and stock change every year, so treat the notes below as patterns from past seasons, not promises.

Quick comparison: where to shop for Halloween

US retailers: how each one usually does Halloween

Spirit Halloween

Spirit is the best-known seasonal Halloween store. Pop-up locations usually open from around August in empty retail spaces and close soon after October 31. It's strongest for licensed costumes, props and animatronics. Spirit often offers coupons through email and text sign-ups, so it's worth joining before you buy. For a closer look, see our Spirit Halloween guide.

Target

Target usually carries a large in-house range of decor, kids' costumes, pet costumes and themed candy. Its main last-minute advantage is Drive Up and Order Pickup, which can turn an online order into a same-day pickup. Target Circle offers on candy and costumes have shown up in past seasons, so check the app before you check out.

Walmart

Walmart is usually the cheapest place for basic costumes and bulk candy. Online selection is wide, and many stores keep Halloween aisles stocked through the last weekend.

Amazon

Amazon has the widest range of costume sizes, accessories, wigs, makeup and novelty decor. The risk in the final week is shipping: check the delivery date on each listing before ordering, since some third-party sellers ship slowly.

Home Depot and Lowe's

These two have become the go-to stores for giant outdoor decor, including the oversized skeletons, large inflatables and animatronic figures that go viral each year. In past years the headline items often appeared online in summer and sold out well before October. If you want one of these, plan for next year (see the 2027 timeline below).

Michaels

Michaels is the place for DIY: faux pumpkins, wreath bases, felt, paint and costume crafting supplies. The store often runs weekly coupons and app offers, and Halloween items are usually discounted before the holiday as stores make room for Christmas stock. For project ideas, see our Halloween decorations ideas.

At Home, HomeGoods and TJ Maxx

At Home gives seasonal decor a lot of floor space at moderate prices. HomeGoods and TJ Maxx get one-off pieces, often early, and rarely restock, so buy what you like when you see it.

Costco and budget stores

Costco is good for bulk candy and some large outdoor decor (membership required). Dollar Tree, Five Below and Dollar General are hard to beat for treat bags, small decor and last-minute filler.

Bath & Body Works and Yankee Candle

Both usually release Halloween-themed scent collections, candles and soap holders early in the fall, often in August or September. Bath & Body Works in particular has run regular candle sales in past seasons, so it's often worth waiting for one rather than paying full price.

Pottery Barn and Grandin Road

For higher-quality decor that lasts for years, such as ceramic pumpkins, premium outdoor figures and table settings, these premium brands are the main option. Full prices are high, so these are best bought on sale or after the holiday.

UK: where to shop for Halloween

Halloween keeps growing in the UK, and the main supermarkets and discount chains usually stock costumes and decor from September.

• Asda: George at Asda usually carries a large, low-cost range of kids' and adult costumes, plus candy and party supplies in store.
• Aldi: Halloween items usually appear in the Specialbuys aisle. Stock is limited and rarely restocked once it's gone.
• The Range: A wide range of decor, lights and craft supplies at low prices.
• Poundland: Good for low-cost decor, treat bags and makeup.
• TK Maxx: Like TJ Maxx in the US, a good place for one-off decor pieces.

For larger outdoor pieces such as gazebos to stage a front-garden display, Aosom UK is worth a look.

Last-minute Halloween shopping (the final days before Oct 31)

With Halloween on Saturday, delivery is no longer reliable for most orders. Here's what still works:

• Order online for same-day pickup. Target, Walmart and many other big stores let you check local stock online and collect within hours.
• Go in store early in the day. Popular costume sizes and candy go first, especially on Friday evening and Saturday morning.
• Check Spirit's local stock. Pop-ups often restock until the end, but popular sizes sell out.
• Use dollar stores for filler. Cobwebs, glow sticks and treat bags are cheap and usually still in stock.
• Go DIY. Clothes you already own plus a few accessories or face paint is often the fastest, cheapest costume.
• Buy candy at the supermarket. Grocery stores often still have stock when big-box seasonal aisles run low.

Clearance starts November 1

Most retailers usually start Halloween clearance the day after the holiday, often with markdowns that grow deeper over the following weeks. If you don't need something this weekend, waiting a few days is usually the cheapest way to buy decor, lights and even costumes for next year. Our after-Halloween sales 2026 guide covers what to expect store by store.

Plan for Halloween 2027 (Sunday, October 31)

Halloween 2027 falls on a Sunday. If you want the best selection next year, here's roughly when collections have dropped in past seasons:

• July: Home Depot and Lowe's have often revealed and started selling headline outdoor pieces in summer. Sign up for alerts if you want a giant skeleton or a new animatronic.
• Late July to August: Michaels, At Home, HomeGoods and Costco usually start putting out seasonal stock. Bath & Body Works and Yankee Candle fall scents usually arrive.
• August: Spirit Halloween pop-ups usually begin opening.
• September: Target, Walmart and Amazon costume ranges are usually fully stocked. UK supermarkets and discount chains usually start stocking.
• Early October: Best time for popular costume sizes before they sell out.
• November 1: Clearance starts, the time to buy decor for 2027 at a discount.

Money-saving tips for Halloween

• Sign up for emails and apps at Spirit, Michaels, Target and Bath & Body Works. They often send the best coupons.
• Buy decor after the holiday. Clearance prices on decor that lasts for years are usually much lower than before Halloween.
• Buy candy in bulk at Costco, Walmart or Sam's Club rather than in small bags.
• Mix premium and budget. Spend on one or two statement pieces and fill the rest from dollar stores.
• Reuse and swap costumes. Kids grow out of costumes fast, so swap with friends or check local resale groups.
• Compare online marketplaces. Temu and Amazon often have low prices on accessories and decor, but allow extra time for shipping.
• Check coupon pages. Browse all our stores for current codes, including Best Choice Products for seasonal decor and outdoor items.

FAQ

When does Spirit Halloween open?

Spirit's seasonal pop-ups usually begin opening around August and close shortly after October 31.

Where can I buy a Halloween costume the day before?

Target, Walmart and Spirit Halloween are usually the best bets, using in-store shopping or same-day pickup. Dollar stores and supermarkets can fill gaps for accessories and makeup.

When do Home Depot and Lowe's release their giant Halloween decor?

In past years, headline items have often appeared online in summer, sometimes as early as July, and popular pieces sold out well before October.

When do Halloween clearance sales start?

Most retailers usually start Halloween clearance on November 1, with deeper markdowns over the following days. See our after-Halloween sales guide.

Is it cheaper to buy Halloween decor after Halloween?

Usually, yes. Clearance discounts make it the cheapest time to buy decor you'll store and use next year, though selection is more limited.