The pandemic is sure to have put a damper on the pop-up Halloween store phenomena of the last few years.
A Value Village survey in 2018 revealed that 40 per cent of customers stated Halloween is their favourite holiday; second only to Christmas, it would seem, when it comes to seasonal spending.
So it should come as no surprise that the Retail Council of Canada is reporting that eight out of ten Canadians still intend to celebrate Halloween this year despite Covid-19 concerns.
Fang-tastic opportunity for online retailers
Online sales have flourished while traditional retail bricks and mortar have taken a hit in 2020.
This will be no different for Halloween spending this year, I suspect.
I’ve often treated the holiday as a last-minute consideration, but I know of many friends who plan out costuming and decorations early.
These are the people most likely to spend real dollars on Halloween and with restrictions on in-store shoppers they may still fill that need online.
Case in point? My mom’s inflatable cat with glowing eyes and moving head has been scaring neighbours for weeks.
Where do ghosts go shopping? A boo-tique!
Editor’s note: These puns aren’t going to get any better
Companies such as Dollarama and Dollar Tree have historically reported significant sales during Halloween.
Their lowered expectations are justified in the rules tightening trick or treating and festive gathering.
As reported above, Halloween places second for holiday spending after Christmas, and dollar stores are no exception to that trend.
Halloween’s not the same if I can’t be witch you
I have no immediate plans to celebrate Halloween but definitely spent a ridiculous amount of time picking out something for my dog as seen above.
A friend at work with a young family is likely of the norm though.
His wife purchased a Spiderman costume for their four-year-old son months ago with the intention he could use it immediately for dress-up but later for Halloween.
They will likely stay close to home in terms of trick or treating or visiting relatives.
And of course, like so many of us, they’ve left their own Halloween costumes to the last minute and will likely end up costuming from what they can find at home.
However you’re spending Halloween this year, I hope it’s safe.
Posted by Kelly Macsymic
