As a retailer, you know that Halloween is a big holiday for your business. It’s a holiday that covers a wide expanse of industries – food, beverage, clothing, decorations, and more. Even stores that don’t provide actual Halloween items usually still embrace the holiday and decorate their store shelves with pumpkins, streamers, scarecrows and ghosts. If you do provide Halloween food or merchandise, you are probably ramping up for the busy time ahead.
According to a survey conducted by the National Retail Federation, in 2014 two-thirds of Americans celebrated the holiday. Total spending for the holiday on decorations, costumes, candy and more was estimated at $7.4 billion. The 5 most popular plans for celebrating Halloween include:
Industries that are connected to these activities can expect to have a pretty busy upcoming month! Grocers, party stores, and garden supply stores should have their retail shelving fully stocked with the most in-demand Halloween items.
Looking for ways to attract Halloween business to your store?
Maybe you aren’t necessarily known for your Halloween displays or merchandise, but you still want to jump on the bandwagon and take advantage of this lucrative holiday. Try some unique ways to get traffic through your door.
- Halloween-related advertisements such as “spooky good deals” are an easy way to show you are on board with the holiday, even if you don’t necessarily offer Halloween products.
- Host and announce around your store, on social media, and send to your email list a “best costume” contest. The prize can be a discount or a free item.
- If you are able, sell some Halloween merchandise even if it’s not normally something you would offer. Even a little Halloween candy at your checkout display can contribute to sales.
- Offer trick-or-treating at your store for kids if you are open on Halloween. Advertise the event to attract new customers.
Once Halloween kicks off, the holiday season will pick up into full swing. Start making all of your holiday plans as early as possible to make sure your store has all of the shelving, retail supplies, stock and décor you need. You’ll be too busy making sales to worry about ordering more merchandise.