The world has changed beyond recognition in the last several decades, but much of the candy that will be given out to trick-or-treaters this Halloween is the same as it was 50 years ago. Except for this: It’s often cheaper. We know this because of a 1964 Waldbaum’s ad, preserved in The Times’s archives, listing the types and prices of candy for sale that Halloween. Fifty years to the day after that ad appeared, Archive Dive went to a Waldbaum’s in Bensonhurst, Brooklyn, to see how the modern selection matched up. It turned out that Waldbaum’s still carries more than a third of the brands listed in the 1964 ad, at very favorable prices. Milky Way, Snickers and 3 Musketeers bars were 59 cents a pound back then, or $4.53 in today’s money; this week, they were on sale for $2.99 for an 11.2-ounce bag, or $4.27 a pound. Hershey’s Kisses, 69 cents ($5.30) for a one-pound bag in 1964, were $1.69 for 11 ounces, or $2.46 a pound.
What factors do you think influence this decrease in candy prices? Do you plan on going trick-or-treating this Halloween? What candy do you enjoy most for Halloween?
Here's the article for more information: http://www.nytimes.com/2014/10/31/upshot/halloween-candy-has-gotten-cheaper.html?hp&action=click&pgtype=Homepage&module=photo-spot-region®ion=top-news&WT.nav=top-news&_r=0&abt=0002&abg=0
I think this decrease in candy prices can likely be attributed to the vast increases in production technology and transportation that have been seen over the last 50 years. Trucks and other forms of transit have likely seen increased fuel efficiency and I am sure that there is new capital that helps to increase efficiency in producing the goods.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Scott. I also think there are more candy options now than there were 50 years ago, which has saturated the candy market a bit. However, I don't agree with Scott's tacit refusal to answer whether or not he is trick or treating and what his favorite candy is. I personally do not plan on trick or treating. I am at the age now where trick or treating could be labeled as quite creepy. I will however be attending a halloween party and will be dressing up as an 80s rocker (755 academy st, saturday night, be there). As far as my favorite candy goes, thats a tough question, it depends what I'm in the mood for. If I want fruity candy, I like a grape tootsie roll pop. If I want something chocolatey, you can't go wrong with a kit kat bar.
ReplyDeleteI agree. Chocolate is getting more expensive so its cost has to be offset by a decrease in some other cost. And Clay....sorry....m and m's are the only way to go.
ReplyDeleteEven though Halloween was over, I thought this article was still very interesting. When I went to Meijer the day after Halloween, Meijer's candy rack was completely empty. It was amazing to see the high demand for Halloween candy and with 50% offer. As everyone has said, the decrease in candy price will be offset by substitute' price.
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