Halloween is creeping up on the Christmas season when it comes to commercially significant holiday events across the globe. No longer just the time for handing out candy to trick-or-treaters and throwing the odd costume party, Halloween is now an all-or-nothing period where consumers shop for home décor to welcome in the spirit of the spooky season. Here’s why stocking up on Halloween merchandise is the right move for retailers.
A GROWING MARKET
Halloween spending is on a steady rise. In the US, one third of Americans now spend as much or more on Halloween decorations as they do on Christmas décor. The growing appetite for spooky home décor translates into enormous potential for retailers. Consumers are no longer looking for single-use party décor, but for items that serve as stand-out pieces which serve a year-round Halloween aesthetic. This is particularly evident in the popularity of evergreen décor such as The Nightmare Before Christmas merchandise, which seamlessly bridges the gap between Halloween, Christmas and beyond.
In the UK, Halloween spending topped £1 billion in 2023 for the first time and is expected to continue growing. This key shopping season is an important milestone in the retail calendar. By stocking up on a diverse range of products, retailers can cater to a multitude of consumer preferences for all ages and interests.
POPULAR THEMES
Tapping into established, fan-favourite franchises can help capture consumer attention. When picking out a Halloween costume, there’s essentially two options: spooky or favourite character. A combination of the two applies when decorating the home for Halloween. Movie-inspired décor is the way to go with this, featuring from classic horror icons such as IT’s Pennywise the Clown and Friday the 13th’s Jason Voorheers, to Disney’s beloved villains like Maleficent and Cruella. And with the recent release of the Beetlejuice sequel, now is the perfect time to stock up on related merchandise.
FROM SEASONAL TO YEAR-ROUND STAPLES
Spooky décor isn’t just for the Halloween season. Products inspired by The Nightmare Before Christmas and Disney’s Villains can easily transition from Halloween to other holidays, giving consumers more value for their purchases. Lighting and drinkware can be used all year round, offering fans a way to show their love for horror and supernatural franchises.
For retailers, Halloween is an unmissable opportunity. The rising trend of year-round Halloween inspired décor ensures that spooky products remain relevant long after October 31st. Explore Paladone’s extensive range of licensed products on our trade portal today.
