Fifteen years ago we had a terrific time in the newsagency with everyday Halloween items that sold at $10.00 and less. Face masks, make-up, cobwebs, blood, pumpkin baskets and more were staple products for years.
Now, however, with supermarkets and discount variety in that everyday Halloween space, we have moved on in our gift / pop culture shop to cater to a more high-end shopper, someone looking for centrepieces and other horror related items, items usually associated with a popular movie of comic franchise.
This more curated approach allows us to play in the horror space all through the year and ramp things cup in October for Halloween. It works well. Key to success is having several offers in-store and with each featuring an eye-catching centrepiece. The only risk is for the stores in a major shopping centre. Landlords can be precious about scaring kids.
Halloween remains a good season. Indeed, I think we could grow revenue if we had some wholesalers prepared to play more in the niche side of the season, in areas such as homewares and higher end costume opportunities.
Halloween gives engaged retailers a focussed season for after Father’s Day and before Christmas.