WEST HARTFORD, Conn. — Labor Day weekend marks the unofficial end of summer and some businesses are already turning the page to fall.
Customers may notice more Halloween decorations on display a bit earlier than usual, and retail experts say consumer demand is fueling the trend.
“It's funny to see retailers kind of trying to beat each other to the punch to put things out there and get consumers shopping,” Trae Bodge, a retail expert, said. "The thing about Halloween is that people who participate in Halloween decorating their lawns and homes, they are very serious about it."
In 2023, the National Retail Federation reported customers spent $12.2 billion on the spooky season, but some shoppers said Labor Day weekend is a bit early for Halloween décor.
“I don't like that,” Anne Shaker of West Hartford said. “It rushes it too much. Halloween is still two months away.”
Others don’t mind.
“I’m excited,” Annabelle Truskowsk of West Hartford said. Fall is always a fun time.”
Consumer analysts added that companies also want to ensure Halloween inventory flies off the shelves so that they do not need to discount down in November. That’s when Paul Ruggiano waits for the best deals.
“Everything goes on sale,” he said. “Some of the stuff goes 70% off or 80% off."
Businesses like Marshalls, Michaels, Home Goods, Costco and Target are just some of the places leaning into the retail trend dubbed “Summerween.” Home Depot marked the first large retailer to roll out Halloween supplies this year, starting its spooky sale in April.
“Just slow down. Maybe a little bit,” Shaker said. “Let everybody enjoy the season a little longer.”
Bridgette Bjorlo is an anchor/reporter at FOX61 News. She can be reached at bbjorlo@fox61.com. Follow her on Facebook, X and Instagram.
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