Retailers Aren’t Spooked About This Year’s Halloween Sales.
The state of the small business economy might be a bit ghoulish this season, but not when it comes to Halloween sales. Consumers are spending in a big way on Halloween costumes. According to the National Retail Federation’s Halloween Consumer Spending Survey more than two-thirds (67.4%) of celebrants will buy Halloween costumes for the holiday. That’s the most in the survey’s 11-year history. The average person will spend $77.52 this Halloween, compared to $75.03 last year. Total spending on Halloween this year will reach $7.4 billion.
In addition to spending on adult and children’s costumes, four-legged family members won’t be forgotten. The NRF says Americans will spend about $350 million on costumes for their furry friends.
“As one of the fastest-growing consumer holidays, Halloween has retailers of all shapes and sizes preparing their stores and websites for the busy fall shopping season,” said NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay. “There’s no question that the variety of adult, child and even pet costumes now available has driven the demand and popularity of Halloween among consumers of all ages. And, with the holiday falling on a Friday this year, we fully expect there will be a record number of consumers taking to the streets, visiting haunted houses and throwing unforgettable celebrations.”
Even if you’re not a retailer selling Halloween goodies, you can still get in on the fun. Ask your customers to post pictures of their costumes on your company’s Facebook page then have your followers vote for their favorite. Select a winner or winners and give them a special prize. Contests are a smart way to create buzz for your brand and to get your customers engaged with your company on social media.
Feel free to share you small business Halloween pictures with us. Trick or treat.
