We wanted to share a merchandising insight and encourage sellers to start thinking about bringing in Halloween and spooky themed items earlier than you might normally expect.
We know this might sound a little crazy since it is only March, but there has been a growing national retail trend over the past few years often referred to as “Summerween.” This trend blends summer and spooky season, and retailers across the country have started putting out Halloween themed merchandise months earlier because customers are buying it earlier each year.
For a marketplace like ours, this actually creates a great opportunity. When customers walk into the store and unexpectedly see vintage Halloween pieces, spooky décor, or themed displays early in the year, it catches their attention and makes the store feel fun and different. Seasonal displays also help keep the store from feeling stagnant and give shoppers something new to explore every time they visit.
Right now there are a few Halloween categories that are especially popular with shoppers in vintage and handmade marketplaces:
Vintage Halloween décor
Older style Halloween decorations, especially items with classic imagery like black cats, witches, skeletons, and pumpkins. Retro Halloween items are very collectible and tend to stand out because they are so different from what big box stores sell.
Witchy and mystical themed décor
Items with a darker or mystical aesthetic are very popular right now. Things like crystal balls, potion bottles, spell books, apothecary jars, tarot themed décor, gothic candle holders, and anything that fits a witchy or magical vibe.
Dark academia and gothic style items
This trend overlaps with Halloween but can be displayed year round. Items like antique books, brass candlesticks, skull décor, old frames, curiosities, and darker vintage pieces fit perfectly into this aesthetic and attract a lot of attention.
You do not need a huge display. Even a small themed section can draw customers into your booth and spark interest. Many shoppers love finding unique seasonal pieces they cannot get in big box stores, and that is one of the biggest advantages of a marketplace like ours.
We know it might feel early, but trends are showing that customers are excited about spooky season earlier every year. Bringing those items in sooner helps create energy in the store and gives shoppers something unique to discover.
We are excited to see the creativity everyone brings to their spaces and look forward to seeing the store continue to evolve with new displays and ideas.
Thank you all for continuing to make the marketplace such a fun and unique place to shop.