With most gift shops bypassing Halloween and leaving it to the supermarkets, discount stores and party retailers, analysts GlobalData are predicting that the occasion may not be the treat that some are hoping for.
The spend is forecast to grow by just 0.6% (compared to an increase of 2.0% in 2018) to reach £467.3m, as shoppers limit their spend.
“The Brexit deadline of October 31 will have a significant impact on Halloween this year,” states Zoe Mills, retail analyst at GlobalData. “UK consumers have been investing more in this occasion over the past couple of years but will now be limiting their spend.”
The company says that Halloween decorations and clothing/costumes present the greatest opportunity for retailers, with these categories making up over half of Halloween spend.
However, while shoppers splurged on Halloween in 2018, decorating their homes and investing in costumes, more consumers will be looking to reuse pieces or trade down to save on costs this year.
Top: Halloween spend is predicted to be down this year.
