FEEDBACK As consumers start to think about how to make their revised Halloween plans work within the latest restrictions, PPE spoke to a number of party retailers to find out how business is going and what suppliers can do to help during the coming weeks...
HALLOWEEN ON THE HIGH STREET Stick to the Basics We’re sticking to the “basics this year. Very
focused on house décor as we firmly believe people will make a big effort to decorate their houses. It can also be seen as an activity as it’s all happening during half Above: Business term week and people will want has been a mixed things to occupy their children! bag for Adrienne. We’re putting together some bundles for people to order online for local delivery or for click and collect. We’ve done the thinking for them for those that don’t want the hassle of working out what they need. Business itself is very mixed. Someone called this morning to order a balloon but wanted to collect from the door as they weren’t comfortable coming in. Some don’t care at all. We have seen an increase in web orders to collect in store and we’re assuming that’s because people would rather not come in. It’s so difficult to pinpoint what we need from our suppliers. Definitely flexibility. Maybe smaller carriage paid orders. We’ve found ourselves using wholesalers a lot more which is very unusual but it means we can top up frequently without having to place larger orders with each supplier. Most have been really happy to help and some have excelled themselves throughout the last six months and have been really bending over backwards to support us. We have to give a massive shout out to Oaktree and Crosswear. They have been so supportive.”
ADRIENNE D’SOUZA, A Party Palace, London
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Keeping the Faith
“
We had been thinking Halloween was going to be good this year with people opting for house parties instead, especially with it being a Saturday date. Then Boris dropped the bombshell about groups of six only. We have already placed our orders so it is a bit late to alter the amounts. We were being slightly cautious anyway but had faith that it would be on a par with last year’s takings. We have all the essentials and will order most things on a dayAbove: Based on a high by-day basis. If Halloween is a washout it will probably signal the street, Gary is hopeful that end for quite a lot of retailers. I do think lots of people will just people will party regardless. go ahead and party anyway and remain slightly positive that the restrictions may be lifted beforehand. After all Halloween is a huge money earner for all involved and the government have said they don’t want to tank the economy.”
GARY WAKEFIELD, Lili Bizarre, Liverpool
Passionate About Halloween Spirit Halloween “ At we are passionate
about Halloween. We believe it restores hopefulness and provides an outlet for escape, something we all need now more than ever. Above: Steve has seen an enthusiastic With our stores response across now open, we’re 1,400 stores. seeing encouraging initial results and are anticipating a Halloween on par with last year. With all the excitement of the season, we do foresee top items selling out quickly. Yes, the world has changed, but there are so many ways to participate and enjoy Halloween. We know that Halloween will look different for many and Spirit Halloween is here
to help fans find unique and safe ways to celebrate the season. The beauty of Halloween is that it is an opportunity to transform into whatever you want to be. We have seen an outpouring of enthusiasm and positive support in our stores, and we all need Halloween now more than ever!”
STEVEN SILVERSTEIN, Spirit Halloween, USA
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2020 PROGRESSIVE PARTY EUROPE
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30/09/2020 11:50