These articles use completed ChatGPT and Perplexity API outputs collected October 9, 2026: 612 and 556 saved answers to the same 30 authored US-focused questions. Repeated answers are not independent shopper samples. No AI Overview result is used.
The articles and existing short research summary are completed focused outputs. A more extensive Halloween flagship report remains unfinished; these source notes do not claim otherwise.
Target-family sources appeared on six of seven seller-selection questions in both configurations, and five of six acquisition/value questions in ChatGPT. Across all 30 questions, equal-question citation-presence rates were 40.3% for ChatGPT and 26.7% for Perplexity.
Scope: shared30_complete_CG_P;target.com; seller selection; acquisition and value decision
Interpretation limit: Not shopper/citation share; explicit domain grouping
See the complete exact questionnaire and source tables below for the full-panel comparison.
Walmart-family citations appeared in none of the 556 Perplexity answers. On the budget question, Walmart and Target were each purchase or comparison options in 8/8 answers; Target had a source link in 8/8 and Walmart in 0/8.
Scope: HALLOWEEN-06-1 Perplexity e0–e7;full30Psourceinventory
Interpretation limit: No inference about origin of advice, current operations or first priority
HALLOWEEN-06-1
For a shopper in the United States, where should I compare Halloween costumes if I want the complete outfit to cost under $40?
Read the 8 saved answers supporting this case. Full-cell recurrence uses the complete cases; selected examples remain separately labeled.
All 16 Perplexity reuse/value answers cited Morphsuits, while none named it in the body or offered a named retailer choice. The distinct texts shared one ten-URL citation set containing five Morphsuits links.
Scope: HALLOWEEN-10-2 Perplexity e0–e15;quote f8a2abe274da95ed6c99_perplexity_20261009_211736:e14
Interpretation limit: Quote is e14 example, not universal buy-cheap code; no source influence inferred
HALLOWEEN-10-2
For a shopper in the United States, how can I compare the long-term value of a cheap costume and a more expensive reusable one?
Read the 16 saved answers supporting this case. Full-cell recurrence uses the complete cases; selected examples remain separately labeled.
All 48 ChatGPT reuse/value answers cited both the FTC and EPA; none selected a named retailer. One saved example shows hypothetical cleaning costs reversing an initially attractive cost-per-wear calculation.
Scope: HALLOWEEN-10-2 ChatGPT all48;calculation e33
Interpretation limit: Agencies not retailcompetitors; no endorsement/verified economics
HALLOWEEN-10-2
For a shopper in the United States, how can I compare the long-term value of a cheap costume and a more expensive reusable one?
Read the 48 saved answers supporting this case. Full-cell recurrence uses the complete cases; selected examples remain separately labeled.
Home Depot and Lowe’s source families each appeared in 23/28 ChatGPT display-planning answers. Principal-host-only counting yields 21/28 each. Seven of the 28 answers explicitly offered named retailer comparisons.
Scope: HALLOWEEN-09-1 ChatGPT all28
Interpretation limit: Distinct09-1case,not09-2;no ownership/page influenceverification
HALLOWEEN-09-1
For a shopper in the United States, how should I compare Halloween inflatables, static yard props and animatronics for a first outdoor display?
Read the 28 saved answers supporting this case. Full-cell recurrence uses the complete cases; selected examples remain separately labeled.
Each question was asked repeatedly. The following table separates unique questions from saved-answer counts.
| ID | Exact question | ChatGPT answers | Perplexity answers |
|---|---|---|---|
| HALLOWEEN-01-1 | For a shopper in the United States, where can I find Halloween costume ideas beyond the same popular characters? | 8 | 16 |
| HALLOWEEN-01-2 | For a shopper in the United States, which websites should I compare for Halloween costume tutorials that show the materials and steps clearly? | 8 | 12 |
| HALLOWEEN-01-3 | For a shopper in the United States, how should I choose between a classic Halloween costume and a current pop-culture costume? | 16 | 16 |
| HALLOWEEN-02-1 | For a shopper in the United States, where should I compare coordinated Halloween costumes for a family with adults and children? | 8 | 8 |
| HALLOWEEN-02-2 | For a shopper in the United States, what group Halloween costume ideas let everyone choose a different level of effort and spending? | 8 | 24 |
| HALLOWEEN-02-3 | For a shopper in the United States, how can I plan a family Halloween costume theme when everyone wants something different? | 8 | 48 |
| HALLOWEEN-03-1 | For a shopper in the United States, which online stores should I compare for adult Halloween costumes at different budgets? | 8 | 8 |
| HALLOWEEN-03-2 | For a shopper in the United States, what are the tradeoffs between a specialist costume retailer and a general retailer for Halloween shopping? | 16 | 48 |
| HALLOWEEN-03-3 | For a shopper in the United States, how should I choose between a handmade custom Halloween costume and a ready-made outfit when timing and total cost matter? | 32 | 16 |
| HALLOWEEN-04-1 | For a shopper in the United States, when is a DIY Halloween costume actually cheaper than buying a complete outfit? | 48 | 16 |
| HALLOWEEN-04-2 | For a shopper in the United States, what Halloween costumes can I make using clothes and household items I already own? | 20 | 20 |
| HALLOWEEN-04-3 | For a shopper in the United States, where should I look for secondhand costumes and accessories, and what should I check before buying? | 8 | 8 |
| HALLOWEEN-05-1 | For a shopper in the United States, which retailers should I compare for plus-size Halloween costumes with useful sizing information? | 8 | 8 |
| HALLOWEEN-05-2 | For a shopper in the United States, how can I choose a Halloween costume that is comfortable for a long evening of walking? | 36 | 16 |
| HALLOWEEN-05-3 | For a shopper in the United States, what costume features should I look for if I want to avoid masks, itchy fabrics and complicated fastenings? | 48 | 48 |
| HALLOWEEN-06-1 | For a shopper in the United States, where should I compare Halloween costumes if I want the complete outfit to cost under $40? | 8 | 8 |
| HALLOWEEN-06-2 | For a shopper in the United States, how can I compare the total cost of Halloween costumes once accessories and shipping are included? | 24 | 16 |
| HALLOWEEN-06-3 | For a shopper in the United States, for a group costume, is buying matching outfits or coordinating ordinary clothes usually better value? | 48 | 16 |
| HALLOWEEN-07-1 | For a shopper in the United States, what are my best options for a Halloween costume if I only have two days left? | 8 | 12 |
| HALLOWEEN-07-2 | For a shopper in the United States, how can I check nearby costume availability and pickup options when I need an outfit today? | 8 | 24 |
| HALLOWEEN-07-3 | For a shopper in the United States, what should I check about seasonal costume return policies before buying? | 48 | 16 |
| HALLOWEEN-08-1 | For a shopper in the United States, what are some Halloween decorating ideas for a small apartment without much storage? | 8 | 16 |
| HALLOWEEN-08-2 | For a shopper in the United States, which retailers should I compare for reusable indoor Halloween decorations on a budget? | 8 | 8 |
| HALLOWEEN-08-3 | For a shopper in the United States, how can I decorate a rental for Halloween without permanent attachments or bulky props? | 8 | 16 |
| HALLOWEEN-09-1 | For a shopper in the United States, how should I compare Halloween inflatables, static yard props and animatronics for a first outdoor display? | 28 | 48 |
| HALLOWEEN-09-2 | For a shopper in the United States, which stores should I compare for outdoor Halloween decorations with clear dimensions and setup information? | 8 | 8 |
| HALLOWEEN-09-3 | For a shopper in the United States, what should I check about weather suitability, power requirements and storage before buying a Halloween yard display? | 24 | 16 |
| HALLOWEEN-10-1 | For a shopper in the United States, how should I compare renting an elaborate Halloween costume for one night with buying one? | 48 | 16 |
| HALLOWEEN-10-2 | For a shopper in the United States, how can I compare the long-term value of a cheap costume and a more expensive reusable one? | 48 | 16 |
| HALLOWEEN-10-3 | For a shopper in the United States, what are practical ways to swap, donate or repurpose Halloween costumes after the holiday? | 8 | 8 |
Source-family rates give questions equal weight unless an answer-weighted rate is explicitly named. A citation does not establish the source of advice, current page contents or independent retrieval. Current retailer terms and model-stated product claims were not verified.
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