Partworldwide.net chats to Fraser Smeaton, co-founder and ceo of Morphsuits to find out about the year so far and expectations for the remainder of 2024.
How has 2024 been so far for your company and the industry as a whole?
Fraser: “I think the first part of 2024 has been as good as can have been expected for the industry as whole. We are trading just ahead of last year and are pleased with that, as the first months of 2023 were very strong – driven by the first European carnival after Covid and the Coronation in the UK. We were worried that could have meant a slow first half, but that hasn’t happened.”
What has been your highlight of 2024 so far?
Fraser: “Keeping Carnival sales flat with last year, despite our expectations that it could be lower.”
What have the biggest challenges and opportunities been so far?
Fraser: “Our biggest challenges have been preparing for all the fee changes from Amazon in the US. Our biggest opportunity is to continue to improve the content we have for each of our costumes and use that to improve our conversion rates and drive more sales.”
What are your hopes and expectations for the remainder of 2024?
Fraser: “I expect the remainder of 2024 to be good. Cost of living pressures are easing and a Thursday Halloween will be better than the Tuesday we had in 2023, giving us a last quarter. I also know that we have a wide range of great new products launching this year.”
What do you expect to be the biggest challenges and opportunities for the rest of the year?
Fraser: “As usual the biggest challenge will be getting Halloween products to where they need to be in time for the season. The biggest opportunity will be to launch our range of new products into all markets for what should be a good Halloween.”
