The Halloween mood on Toronto Street in Baruch Labonski has been strange over the past two years, not in the way of witches and monsters, as during the pandemic no one put up decorations and there were no children in the streets. But this year, "pumpkins were sitting on the doorsteps of houses," as after two years of COVID-19 restrictions that suppressed Halloween, Canadians are expected to increase celebrations this year. However, rising goods costs and ongoing supply chain issues could interfere with demand for costumes, candy, and decorations. New research by the Retail Council of Canada indicates that 86 percent of Canadians will spend the same amount or more on Halloween this year compared to last year, with many of them shopping a month in advance. Consumers also seem ready to open their wallets to buy new trendy costumes or stock up on candy, as more than half of Canadians plan to spend more than $50.

Also, retail analyst Bruce Winder said: "You might see more dark houses if people are worried about costs and decide not to participate," as potential strong demand coupled with ongoing supply chain restrictions could also lead to some empty store shelves – especially later in October. Winder stated that part of the problem manufacturers and retailers face is that expectations cannot be relied upon. In the same context, Hershey spokesperson Allison Kleinevelter said that despite capacity restrictions, the company has produced more Halloween candy this year compared to last year. But they still recommend shopping early. Michelle Wasselin, spokesperson for the Retail Council of Canada, said the best advice for consumers is to shop early, adding: "We have heard from some retailers that they have faced many supply chain challenges with Halloween products this year as suppliers were unable to provide the required quantities. This means there may be fewer quantities available for many key Halloween products."