The National Retail Federation’s annual purchase intent survey, fielded in September, revealed that Halloween celebrations will be fewer this year. Compliments of the pandemic, only 58% of Americans planned to participate, down from 68% a year ago.
Still, a Harris poll conducted on behalf of the National Confectioners Association found that 74% of millennial moms and young parents think Halloween this year is more important than ever. And 70% of moms reported that they expect to celebrate Halloween 2020 with their children (Insight to Action).
One important way to celebrate in 2020 is by decorating the home. Coresight Research says half of consumers planned to decorate their home this year. That includes both inside and outside the house.
In my California neighborhood, there are many more Halloween-themed yard decorations than in the past. Not only that, but many of them come in a notice-me scale that was not prevalent even one year ago. From inflatable creatures perched menacingly on rooftops to furry spiders with impossibly long legs, giant is the size of choice for these larger-than-life figures.
Perhaps because there will be less trick-or-treating, outdoor décor has also moved away from a focus on just the door. Now vignettes that drift over to the front of the garage or encompass part or all of the front yard are gaining traction. In some cases, sound and light make settings even more awe-inspiring for kids.
In a sign of the times, some skeletons and scarecrows wear face masks, just as many kids will on this Halloween, which will still be celebrated in spite of Covid-19.
Here are a few more Halloween displays from my SoCal neighborhood. Of note: space-saving inflatables, a plethora of spiders and especially cobwebs, and a resurgence of pirate themes.
