Last Updated: September 2019
As a retailer, you know that Halloween is a big holiday for many businesses. It’s a holiday that covers may industries – food, beverage, clothing, decoration, and more. Even stores that don’t provide actual Halloween items typically embrace the holiday and decorate their store shelves with pumpkins, streamers, scarecrows, and ghosts.
If you do provide Halloween food or merchandise, you’re probably ramping up for one of the busiest holiday seasons ahead. Keep reading for Halloween tips, statistics, and information retailers shouldn't ignore.
The Facts
According to a survey conducted by the National Retail Federation, in 2018, 95% of those celebrating Halloween planned to purchase candy, 69% planned to purchase costumes, 72% planned to purchase decorations, and 37% planned to purchase greeting cards. Total spending on the holiday was estimated to reach $9 billion last year. The most popular categories for 2018 Halloween spending included:
- Decorations: $2.7 billion
- Greeting cards: $0.4 billion
Industries that supply these products can expect to have a pretty busy month! Retailers should spend extra time ensuring their retail shelving is fully stocked with the most in-demand Halloween items.
How to Attract Halloween Business to Your Store
If 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, take a look at these ideas to get traffic through your door:
- Special Promotions: 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 offer Halloween products.
- Holiday Marketing: Host Halloween-themed events such as a customer costume contest or giveaway of products you sell in your store. Announce the event in your community, on social media, and through email to reach as many people as possible.
- Holiday Merchandise: If you're able to, sell some Halloween merchandise – even if it’s not something you normally would offer. A small Halloween candy display at checkout can contribute to impulse sales.
- Candy Craze: Open on Halloween? Offer trick-or-treating at your store's parking lot as a way for kids and parents to enjoy the holiday in a safe environment. Advertise the event to attract new customers and offer Halloween specials to increase sales.
For many, the beginning of October marks the unofficial start of the Halloween season. Start making all of your holiday plans as early as possible to make sure your store has all of the retail supplies, shelving, stock, and decor needed for a successful holiday full of sales.