Online marketplace Trade Me says it has been “flooded” with searches for Halloween searches in the lead up to October 31. 

Spokesperson Millie Silvester says the site has about 16,000 costumes listed for sale and so far this month there have been around 9000 searches with shoppers “looking for everything from party supplies, to creepy trinkets, and the perfect get-up.”

While traditionally a North American festival, interest in New Zealand has been growing with each year – albeit more about an occasion for a costume party or other social event, rather than the traditional ‘trick or treating’. 

Silvester says during the first three weeks of this month, searches for costumes are up 6 per cent year on year. 

“Demand for scary ensembles is sky-high, showing that Kiwis are ready to party more than ever this Halloween.”

She says shoppers are taking more of a fun approach to their costumes this year and steering clear of scary looks. As usual, the choice of costume is heavily influenced by what is trending in entertainment at the time.  

“Following its very successful fourth season, Netflix’s Stranger Things is our most popular costume trend this Halloween. We’re expecting to see some of the show’s classic 80s outfits out and about this year; think varsity jackets, sailor outfits, and Hellfire Club tees.”

The second most popular costume search this year is Spiderman, with other popular themes being Buzz Lightyear and Top Gun. 

“Nostalgia is big this Halloween, with searches for ‘80s costumes’ increasing by a whopping 41 per cent since this time last year.”

Kiwis are also commemorating the late Queen, with searches for all things Queen Elizabeth ll-related having skyrocketed since she passed away last month.