Early Launch of Fall and Halloween Merchandise by Big-Box Retailers

SOURCE www.npr.org
Big-box retailers like Home Depot, Lowe's, Party City, Michaels, and Starbucks are launching fall and Halloween merchandise earlier than ever, attributing it to early customer demand and the changing consumer behavior post-COVID. Experts suggest that data-driven marketing strategies and the influence of seasonal retailer Spirit Halloween have contributed to the success of these early rollouts.

Key Points

  • Retailers like Home Depot, Lowe's, Party City, Michaels, and Starbucks are launching fall and Halloween merchandise earlier than ever.
  • Early launches are attributed to early customer demand and changing consumer behavior post-COVID.
  • Experts suggest that data-driven marketing strategies and the influence of seasonal retailer Spirit Halloween have contributed to the success of these early rollouts.

Pros

  • Prevents unsold inventory for retailers
  • Meets changing consumer demands post-COVID
  • Records high sales and growing customer interest

Cons

  • Risk of diminishing the meaning and intensity of the holiday season
  • Early launches can hurt companies' bottom line if not well-timed