No two industries love Halloween more than candymakers and retailers, so it should come as no surprise their associations are using the holiday to promote their business sectors.

The National Confectioners Association—which represents candymakers—has released three videos touting the economic benefits of the candy industry as well as its central role in Halloween. The group noted Americans will spend an estimated $2.7 billion on Halloween candy this year, with the industry providing 55,000 jobs.

"Halloween is a special time in the candy industry," NCA CEO John Downs said. "There are 55,000 confectionery employees in communities across the country who work hard to make special products for everyone to sample at Halloween, and we know that Americans will enjoy in moderation just as they do throughout the year." http://prn.to/2enQEiZ

Candy is just one part of Halloween. The holiday also features costumes and decorations—and sales of both help retailers meet their bottom lines.

The average American will spend $82.93 on Halloween in 2016, up from last year's $74.34, according to the National Retail Federation. Total spending on the holiday is forecast to reach $8.4 billion.

"After a long summer, families are excited to welcome the fall season celebrating Halloween," NRF CEO Matthew Shay said. "Retailers are preparing for the day by offering a wide variety of options in costumes, decorations and candy, while being aggressive with their promotions to capture the most out of this shopping event."

As for what costumes are in vogue this season, children's love of Princess Elsa from Frozen is thawing. The "superhero" category has dethroned "princess" for the top spot in most popular children's costumes, according to an NRF survey of costume trends: http://bit.ly/2exZz0N

Children's costumes
1. Action/Superhero
2. Princess
3. Animal (Cat, Dog, Lion, Monkey, etc.)
4. Batman Character
5. Star Wars Character
6. Tie: Witch AND DC Superhero (excl. Batman)
7. Frozen Character (Anna, Elsa, Olaf)
8. Marvel Superhero (excl. Spiderman)
9. Zombie
10. Spiderman

Adults—18 to 34 years old
1. Batman Character (Batman, Harley Quinn, The Joker, etc.)
2. Witch
3. Animal (Cat, Dog, Bunny, etc.)
4. Tie: Marvel Superhero (Deadpool, Spiderman, etc.) AND DC Superhero (Wonder Woman, Superman, excl. Batman)
5. Vampire
6. Video Game Character
7. Slasher Movie Villain (Freddy, Jason, Michael Myers, etc.)
8. Pirate
9. Star Wars Character
10. Zombie

Adults—35+
1. Witch
2. Pirate
3. Political (Trump, Clinton, etc.)
4. Vampire
5. Batman Character (Batman, Catwoman, etc.)
6. Animal (Cat, Dog, Bunny, etc.)
7. Tie: DC Superhero (Superman, Wonder Woman, excl. Batman) and Star Wars Character
8. Tie: Ghost and Zombie
9. Scary Costume/Mask
10. Marvel Superhero (Iron Man, Hulk, Spiderman, etc.)

Pets
1. Pumpkin
2. Hot Dog
3. Bumble Bee
4. Tie: Lion and Star Wars Character
5. Devil
6. Batman Character
7. Witch
8. Superman
9. Action/Superhero
10. Cat

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