Halloween Marketing Ideas

Halloween is a major marketing holiday, closely following Christmas in terms of expenditures made on costumes, candy and, of course, parties. October 31st is a fun night in America for people of all ages and an excellent time for companies to market their company or product.

The costume and candy industries have pulled out all the stops when it comes to Halloween, and so as early as late August, stores begin to stock their shelves with seasonal decorations in preparation for the big night. The frenzy reaches a crescendo as late as a few hours before dark on the day of Halloween, when everyone rushes out for last minute costumes and candy for Trick or Treaters. Businesses can get in on the spirit of the holiday by actively promoting Halloween, especially in brick-and-mortar businesses.

Halloween Is for Kids

Although many adults are crazy for Halloween, All Hallows' Eve is ostensibly a holiday for kids. Hundreds of costumed tricksters roaming the neighborhood at dusk is one of the wonderful sights of the fall season. Developing a marketing program that focuses on children is a good way to entice their parents into your store and for you to profit from all the Halloween fun.

Scary House

Everyone loves a scare, especially at Halloween. Turn a backroom into a Ghoul Museum, using black lights and traditional Halloween decorations like skulls, skeletons, hanging bats and eerie music. Hire several teens to dress in costumes and walk around startling the unexpected visitor, causing a bit of bedlam tailor-made for little children.

Halloween Cooking Class

If you've got the facilities, host a Halloween cooking class for kids during the week of Halloween. This is a great way to get their parents in a store for an hour or more as the class is conducted. Kids love making traditional Halloween treats like popcorn balls and candy apples. Supply the ingredients and colorful wrapping cellophane, and decorate the room to create a memorable experience for kids and some shopping downtime for their parents.

Host a "Thriller" Dance-Off

Michael Jackson's "Thriller" music video is a perennial Halloween favorite. A surprising number of people have memorized the dance moves from the video. Host a "Thriller" dance-off in your store parking lot and invite children's dance studios to participate. Hire a couple of local dancers to lead mass "Thriller" dancing. All you'll need is the Jackson CD, loud speakers and the cooperation of local authorities to host an outdoor event that will attract huge crowds.

Apple-Bobbing

Bobbing for apples is a traditional fall season activity. Set up several tubs of water, drop in about 10 apples and invite kids to bob. Award prizes for anyone who grabs an apple on first attempt. Have plenty of chilled apple cider and munchies on hand for parents to sip while they shop.