The 2024 issue of Progressive Halloween is available to read online now.
There is no denying that the last few months have been a turbulent time in the party industry. Some of the major players in the sector have sadly had to appoint administrators. Smiffys, the companies under the Amscan/Wonder Group umbrella and Pioneer Europe have fortunately found buyers, but the situations haven’t been without their casualties.
While many jobs have been transferred to the new operations, many have sadly ended in redundancies. Our best wishes go to those who have sadly lost their roles.
As is always the way with industry, however, the wheels keep turning and attention is now firmly placed on Halloween 2024. Falling on a Thursday this week, thus edging ever closer to the all-important weekend celebration. The industry is positive ahead of the celebration and has a wide range of new licensed and generic costumes, accessories and décor ready to line the shelves.
We are entering a more stable economic and political period with glimmers of hope in interest rates, inflation and consumer confidence. And one thing we do know is that consumers will always find a way to celebrate key events in any which way they can. Suppliers are meeting consumers where they’re at with modified offerings and there’s a strong feeling that Halloween could begin to turn the tables again this year.
Retailers across the UK, Europe and US have been getting behind Halloween, with some launching their ranges as early as July to build demand and excitement. Spirit Halloween in the US is opening a record number of stores, while indies across the industry are readying their stores for the October rush.
Ed Avis explores the benefits of in-store events for driving footfall to costume stores ahead of the big day in his column in this issue. NCA members have found great success in often simple Halloween celebration events, garnering customers, word-of-mouth and excitement along the way.
Meanwhile, NABAS is looking at working together for a more sustainable industry with an exciting new partnership, in its column in this issue.
With iconic new films being released for Halloween and beyond, licensing remains an important part of the party industry across a range of events. We chatted to some key suppliers in this issue about how licensed partnerships boost their sales and businesses, as well as finding out what the trends are across ages for branded party products.
There’s also a new kid in town and we speak to Blues Group in this issue about their new costume division and the plans for the business.
