Halloween Ecommerce in 2013: Not Just Costumes

The beginning of autumn is a great time to be an ecommerce business. It’s the season of back-to-school shopping, new fashion trends for the cooler weather, and, of course, making big plans for Halloween, 2013. It goes without saying that spectacular getups, wacky wigs, and flamboyant makeup are a huge part of what makes this holiday fun and exciting—and, if you’re a costume retailer, you’re enjoying most lucrative period in your fiscal year as kids and adults alike plan their funniest or scariest ensembles to date. You only need to check out one of the Halloween parades in a major city to know that many people take this holiday seriously.

But Halloween is good news for more than just costume, wig, and cosmetic stores. Today, we’re taking a look at some of the other ecommerce business niches that have plenty of cause to celebrate as October 31 approaches.

Decorations, Arts & Crafts

spooky-eyeballsWhen it comes to decadently decorative celebrations, Halloween is second only to Christmas. For many people, the time-honored tradition of visiting a pumpkin patch to find the perfect Jack-O-Lantern is only the beginning. Yards, front halls, classrooms, office cubicles, and storefronts all beg for a little October whimsy. An increasing number of unconventional couples are even planning Halloween or zombie-themed weddings to reflect their offbeat, quirky, fun relationships! They might choose seasonal foliage and spooky votive candles, party favors, and wall décor as part of their unique design.

Some displays call for cute, cheerful, and a hair mischievous—think smiling pumpkins, gleeful ghosts, and adorable inflatables for the front lawn. Other settings—think haunted hayrides and houses—call for creepy-crawlies and things that go bump in the night. Retailers whose decoration inventories appeal to a diverse array of tastes may call this the high point of their year.

Of course, if you’re artistically inclined (or just looking to explore your creative side for a change), there’s no hard and fast rule that says you have to buy ready-made decorations. This is also a profitable season for arts & crafts supply stores, where the possibilities are endless. Whether it’s a colorful wreath for the front door or a super-scary school project, custom creations for Halloween are a serious boon to these businesses.

Who do we have our eye on this year? Oriental Trading has a nice selection of supplies.

Cookies and Gourmet Goodies

cheryls-halloween-potWhen we think about Halloween indulgences, the first ones that usually come to mind are the spoils of a triumphant Trick-or-Treating expedition (if you’re too old to collect a stash for yourself, you might be raiding your kids’—we won’t tell.) But these days, Halloween goodies include much more than the traditional candy corn and individually wrapped fun-size chocolate bars. Gourmet cookies, cupcakes, and fudge are all part of this delicious season—and, if you’re a successful online bakery or dessert franchise, we’re betting your bottom line is looking extra sweet this month.

We found a bootacular assortment of Halloween cookies at Cheryl’s.

Steampunk – A Hot Trend

steamship-pirate-gogglesHalloween is also a great time to flirt with new trends—after all, when else can you get away with experimenting with unusual styles and offbeat looks? For example, the popularity of steampunk fashion is on the rise. Veterans of mass steampunk celebrations tend to have a closet full of authentic gear and accessories, often purchased from skilled artisans at festivals and fairs. Add a touch of mad science and Victorian charm to any Halloween costume with a pair of goggles. Online stores that specialize in these unconventional, fun pieces can expect curious new visitors this month.

We’re a little biased on this one and of course have to pick a site we designed, SteampunkGoggles.com for the best selection of steampunk goggles this Halloween.

  • By Dennis Consorte
  • Published on October 2nd, 2013