Halloween has enjoyed a few strong years post-Covid as consumers made the most of getting back together to party and celebrate. In 2023, the day falls on a Tuesday as the world is also experiencing an economic downturn. PPE catches up with some suppliers in the sector to see what they expectations are for this year.
While the cost-of-living crisis is affecting many areas of life for consumers, it seems that celebrations are one sector which remains robust. Despite the world tightening its purse strings in many areas, suppliers are still reporting strong sales ahead of Halloween this year – a welcome boost for the party industry.
Aneesa Bleasely, head of sales UK and Ireland for Disguise, tells us: “Initial indications on sales and forward commitments are very promising and show good intent and consumer demand for Halloween.”
Dominique Peckett, director at Smiffys, agrees: “After a record season last year, we have superb pre-sell orders for 2023 and are on track for this Halloween to be our strongest yet.
“Furthermore we aren’t faced with the stock delays we had in 2022 this year; we are in the strongest stock position we have ever been heading into the Halloween season, opening up opportunities for an even more successful season for our customers.”
Mark Brett, sole UK agent for Boland had his early concerns quashed. He says: “It may be a reflection of my inner cautiousness but at the beginning of the year, I was very unsure about Halloween in 2023, realistically knowing that many retailers had a fair amount of stock left over from 2022. However I seem to be wrong.
“Or rather I was right about the stock, but many of our retailers have been very positive. This is true all over Europe.”
To read the full feature in the digital issue of Progressive Halloween, simply click here.
