Halloween costume prices to increase due to tariff taxes
Joaquin Hight
YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – Halloween costume prices this year are expected to rise due to tariff taxes placed on imported goods by President Donald Trump.
Approximately 90% of materials for Halloween costumes and decorations are imported from China, one of the countries affected by the new tariff tax charges.
Locals at Yuma’s Spirit Halloween location shared how they are preparing for higher costume prices.
“It kind of affects in a way that we just kind of have to look at several options, like maybe shop around at several outlets and see what has the best price, as well as, you know, if we’re finding something that’s too expensive, and then having to switch over to maybe different options,” says Yuma local Jonathan Limon.
Erika Gutierrez, an employee at the location, shares how difficult it is for workers.
“We do try to help our guests, you know, try to get everything that they want in the store, you know, to fulfill their needs. Unfortunately, I know some people cannot afford everything we do have in store, and that does make us feel pretty bad,” Gutierrez expressed.
Limon added that it is cheaper to build a costume from scratch than it is to buy one at a store.
“When you’re looking at a complete set, they tend to be really high-end in price, like, more than a hundred bucks. And sometimes it’s even cheaper to build it and just get like different accessories for it,” he explained.
Gutierrez later explained that Spirit Halloween is always trying to have sales and opportunities for people to buy the things they cannot normally afford.