While Halloween in the US is huge compared to here in Australia, my experience is that it is growing every year. An average suburban newsagency fully engaged with the season could make between $1,000 and $2,000 in sales with between 50% and 60% GP – regardless of what nearby supermarkets and deep discount stores might do.
This terrific report from CNN in the US provides an insight into the $6B season for US retailers.
Very interesting. We have never engaged with Halloween as yet.
We have had a lot of the bargain shops (all really) close around as of late though.
So I feel there is a market opening to tap into and we do all the other seasonal very well I would like to add this to our offering and make it ours. Having said that I still have not made a call as space is becoming a premium item for us now and this would need to take a position facing into the mall.
But to own another seasonal offering is something I don’t want to let pass us by. I am thinking about a $600 spent to test the waters here.
Some random thoughts
We had a very good father’s day (hope you all did) to see this trend continue into Christmas.
We have had to start selling our 2015 Diary offering with Father’s day as demand was there. (normally 1st October) sales have been good.
Calendars sales have been good and early (no discounting here until Jan)
Papers are still under supplied Fairfax are not interested at all.
News Ltd have had their rep out to us AGAIN but still no increase in papers. Although as I said before I feel this is due to a lack of knowledge from the Distribution agent.
Brett I’ve done Halloween for ten years and in centres with supermarkets and deep discount playing in the space. Our prices are better and we have excellent margins. The keys are to create a story, an environment.
Halloween is an excellent way to warm up to Christmas. If you are in a marketing group they should have plenty of ideas and deals available for you.
Brett check out these posts from the past here:
http://www.newsagencyblog.com.au/2012/10/26/halloween-as-a-growing-retail-season/
http://www.newsagencyblog.com.au/2010/10/17/tips-for-a-successful-halloween-promotion-in-your-newsagency/
http://www.newsagencyblog.com.au/2010/09/22/halloween-2010-kicks-off-early/
Thanks for that information.
Just wondering what window do most run for Halloween to sell?
1st Oct until Halloween?
Or a smaller window?
At the least October 1 onwards but often longer. Starting today in one of my stores.
We have been having greater success with the “prop” type product. Larger items people buy for displays. We have achieved upwards of $150 for a single item. The majors have gone into the little stuff that we have always carried but I dont think they would punt on the larger items……which is our POD.