News Summary
Retailers in Las Vegas are experiencing a surge in sales as the Summerween trend gains popularity. Celebrating Halloween early in July and August is attracting consumers to local family-owned shops, leading to impressive sales figures. Major retailers are also adapting to the trend by displaying Halloween merchandise earlier. With a significant increase in Halloween spending, industry analysts project that consumers will continue stocking up on costumes and decorations, further transforming the shopping landscape during the summer months.
Las Vegas – Retailers in Las Vegas are experiencing a significant boost in sales due to an emerging trend dubbed “Summerween,” which refers to the early celebration of Halloween during the summer months of July and August. This trend has led local businesses, particularly family-owned stores, to capitalize on consumer excitement surrounding Halloween, marking a notable shift in shopping behavior.
Local shops such as The Halloween Emporium and Haunted Tea Room have reported impressive sales increases, attributing this success to a demand for unique Halloween merchandise that larger retailers do not adequately cater to. The trend aligns with a broader national pattern, as Halloween spending in the United States has nearly doubled since 2014, reaching a staggering record of $11.6 billion in 2023, according to data compiled by the National Retail Federation (NRF).
The changing habits of shoppers are evident, with almost 50% now purchasing Halloween-related items prior to the month of October. This shift has prompted major retailers such as Walmart, Home Depot, and PetSmart to showcase Halloween products as early as August to accommodate early shoppers. Emphasizing the advantage of starting Halloween shopping prior to the peak season, shoppers are finding unique decorations before they are picked over.
In response to the growing demand, Spirit Halloween recently announced their plans to open ten new stores in Southern Nevada by August, with locations on major thoroughfares including E. Charleston Blvd., S. Decatur Blvd., and E. Tropicana Ave. As the largest Halloween retailer in North America, Spirit Halloween operates over 1,400 stores throughout the U.S. and Canada.
Industry analysts have noted a consistent trend of increasing candy sales each year, allowing consumers to stock up before the holiday rush. Additionally, in 2023, consumer spending is expected to reach approximately $3.8 billion on costumes, $3.5 billion on candy, and $700 million on pet costumes. Notably, about 72% of individuals planning to celebrate Halloween anticipate spending over $100 for the holiday.
The planning for Halloween pop-up stores is proactive, often starting well before the conclusion of the previous season. Leases for these temporary shops are typically signed between mid-June and August, allowing retailers to take advantage of vacant retail spaces in a flexible manner. This adaptability not only helps in meeting consumer demand but also provides opportunities for retailers to engage with their customers through an extended sales period.
Popular children’s costumes this year include favorites like Spiderman, ghosts, and princesses, while traditional themes such as witches and vampires remain prevalent among adult costume choices. Retailers are enthusiastic about the prospects of capturing the excitement of the Halloween season and benefiting from this growing trend.
In conclusion, Las Vegas retailers are strategically enhancing their sales efforts by embracing the early Halloween trend. As consumer behavior continues to evolve, the emergence of Summerween reflects a shift toward maximizing the sales potential of one of the year’s most celebrated holidays.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Spirit Halloween to Open 10 New Stores in Las Vegas Valley
Las Vegas Embraces the Rise of Summerween Celebrations
Additional Resources
- KTNV: Summerween Takes Over Las Vegas
- Review Journal: Spirit Halloween Openings in Las Vegas
- USA Today: When Do Spirit Halloween Stores Open?
- Wikipedia: Halloween
- Fox 5 Vegas: Spirit Halloween Announces Christmas Stores
Author: STAFF HERE LAS VEGAS WRITER
LAS VEGAS STAFF WRITER The LAS VEGAS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELasVegas.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Las Vegas, Clark County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Electric Daisy Carnival, World Series of Poker, and Consumer Electronics Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce and Three Square Food Bank, plus leading businesses in hospitality and entertainment that power the local economy such as MGM Resorts International, Caesars Entertainment, and Las Vegas Sands. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Nevada's dynamic landscape.
