With Halloween now just around the corner, Danielle Costello – who looks after the trade marketing for Rubie’s UK operation – shares the company’s preparations and plans for the big day.
As last-minute preparations take place for Halloween 2018, what do you expect to see?
“Halloween is one of our main events of the year, allowing everyone to get creative and innovative with their costumes. As it falls on a Wednesday this year we expect to see the Halloween period lasting longer, with Halloween events happening on both the weekend before and after. Halloween also falls on the biggest student night of the week and we are sure students will go all out on their costumes! We expect to see a wide range of costumes being purchased, everything from Marvel Avengers, Warner Brothers horror range, great generic costumes and even Disney Princess and of course lots of blood!”
What has been selling well in the run-up so far?
“Retailers are making sure they are stocking up on a wide range of costumes suitable for all ages. Halloween is great for everyone that loves dressing up as you can be anything with a Halloween twist! Our children’s Halloween costumes have been very popular, including the neon skeleton and ombre witch. The adult classics always do well, such as Freddy Krueger, Friday the 13th Jason, Edward Scissorhands and Beetlejuice. We have also seen popularity grow around Superheroes for Halloween.”
How are retailers preparing for Halloween?
“We have been working closely with our retailers on marketing in-store and online experiences to excite and engage consumers. Expect to see creative Halloween window stickers, hanging vinyls, posters and standees to get everyone excited for the big day, as well as social and digital activations.”
What’s your top tip for this year?
“Rubie’s offers a range of costumes and accessories perfect for every price budget, allowing everyone to get spooky this Halloween. Retailers should remember we are here to help and have extended our opening hours from 8am to 6pm right through to the 31 October. And don’t forget to take full advantage of our next day delivery service!”
Which item, range or style do you expect to do really well?
“We are very excited to be launching our officially licensed Fortnite costumes as the buzz around Fortnite continues to grow and we expect these to be the must-have costume of the year. Warner Brothers‘ The Nun is also expected to be a popular choice this year and we are sure the popularity will continue to grow for this costume.”
