(NewsNation) — Halloween enthusiasts may be delighted to find spooky decorations and pumpkin spice lattes available months before October, as retailers embrace a trend known as “Summerween.”
Big-box stores are promoting fall and Halloween-related goods earlier than ever this year. Home Depot launched its online Halloween campaign in April, six months before the holiday, with a “Halfway to Halloween Sale.”
Other retailers, including Lowe’s, Party City and Michaels, began selling Halloween merchandise online in June.
The push for early Halloween sales isn’t just targeting children. Retailers report an increasing number of adults participating in Halloween festivities.
This trend appears to be paying off. The National Retail Federation reported that shoppers spent a record $12.2 billion on Halloween goods in 2023, up from $9.1 billion in 2017.
However, some marketing experts warn of potential downsides to this strategy. They argue that offering seasonal items too early may diminish the holiday’s impact and reduce sales of other merchandise typically available during the summer months.
Despite these concerns, the early availability of Halloween merchandise seems to be meeting consumer demand. Home Depot reportedly sold out of items during its April sale.