Progressive Party finds out what the expectations are for this year’s event and what the spookiest trends will be.
2024 has been a somewhat turbulent year so far for the party industry, but the sector looks forward to Halloween as a welcome boost in sales and excitement each year. The Halloween build-up began early this year, with UK retailer Wilko and US giant, Spirit Halloween both unveiling their collections as early as July. The media has picked up on ‘pinkoween’ as a décor trend, allowing consumers to start with Halloween celebrations in a softer palette earlier than usual and extend their Halloween parties.
All this, as well as a Thursday date, moving closer to the important weekend celebration, point to a successful season. Stuart Wheeler, commercial & operations manager (Fiestas Guirca UK), Club Green and Hootyballoo, enthuses: “I’m always excited by Halloween as it is peak, regardless of the landscape and particularly 2024 where it will bring a welcome boost.
“Statistically as Halloween day moves closer to the weekend, sales have generally increased over time. So I think this, along with a somewhat improving economic environment, it does give cause for optimism this year.
“We really think that our Halloween offering will provide a point of difference this season and that will stand us in good stead, I’m sure.
“It’s been a hard year for many, but I’m confident that the back end of this year starting with Halloween, will provide a good opportunity for the industry to grow stronger again.”
Smiffys is also positive ahead of the big celebration. Dominique Peckett, director, says: “We’re excited for Halloween this year. The hype seems to have started earlier, with high street retailers launching their collections as early as July and talk of ‘pumpkin spice season’ already beginning on social media. In our high street stores, we have seen customer demand from the beginning of August.”
To read the full feature in the latest issue of Progressive Party, simply click here.
