New Michaels® Data Shows Spike in DIY Halloween Costumes, With Searches Up Triple Digits

Recent survey and search trends confirm customers are prioritizing creativity and affordability, driving demand for specialty resources like Michaels' new Knit & Sew Shop

• A recent Michaels survey and search data reveal a significant rise in DIY Halloween costumes this year, with 60% of respondents planning to make their own.
• Digital data supports this trend, showing a spike in Michaels.com searches for "Halloween Fabric" (up 290%) and "DIY Halloween" (up 128%) compared to the previous year.
• Michaels is responding to this increased demand by expanding its offerings within the new Knit & Sew Shop and providing supplies and online tutorials for custom, budget-friendly costumes.

Michaels, the leading destination for creating and celebrating in North America, revealed new data confirming that more customers are turning to do-it-yourself (DIY) Halloween costumes this year. This shift is driven primarily by a focus on affordability and personalization, as many families look for creative ways to save money.

A recent Michaels survey found that 60% of respondents plan to DIY their costumes this year, which is nearly double the number buying pre-made costumes (34%). For many, this creative approach is driven by the desire to save money, with 62% of respondents confirming they feel more pressure on their budgets this year. While Halloween participation remains strong, with 65% of people planning to dress up themselves, their kids, or their pets, the focus has shifted to creativity over cost, with customers choosing unique, handmade looks over store-bought options.

Digital Data Confirms the DIY Costume Trend

Search data from Michaels.com validates this customer shift toward DIY, with a spike in customer searches for "Halloween Fabric" (290%) and "DIY Halloween" (128%) between June and October compared to the same time last year.

"This year, our customers are using their creativity to make their budget go further," said Chuck Smith, Senior Vice President and General Merchandise Manager at Michaels. "The surge in DIY searches is a powerful indicator of the customer mindset and demonstrates that they are actively looking to Michaels for their supplies."

Michaels is meeting this explosion in demand by providing everything needed for custom, budget-friendly costumes through its new Knit & Sew Shop, now available chainwide.

Now the largest specialty fabric retailer in North America, Michaels' expanded assortment makes it easier than ever to bring any dream costume to life. With new selections of sewing machines, yarn, and accessories-plus fabric now available in over 840 stores and with 95,000 fabric options online-Michaels is a game-changer for anyone looking to create a one-of-a-kind look this Halloween.

To help customers bring their ideas to life, Michaels also offers step-by-step DIY projects online, including popular costume tutorials inspired by the latest trends like Happy Blue Pup, Pop Princess, and Pixel Block Builder.

Visit https://www.michaels.com to find everything needed for DIY costumes, décor and more. For costume inspiration and step-by-step tutorials, visit https://www.michaels.com/projects.