Halloween is going to look a little different this year, thanks to COVID-19, but retailers are not expecting as ghastly an outcome as they may have predicted a few months ago, leading many stores and franchises to be very proactive in using text messaging to reach those who will be celebrating.
While the National Retail Federation is producing the total amount spent on Halloween this year to drop to $8.05 billion, from $8.8 billion a year ago, those who are planning to celebrate are expected to spend $92.12 each, up from $86.27 last year. Those who are planning on celebrating appear to be willing to do more this year to make sure that Halloween is special for all the little ghouls and goblins.
Celebrating traditional holidays non-traditionally is a continuing theme for all of 2020, and retailers should take that idea to heart when planning their marketing and promotional campaigns. More consumers want to receive text messages from the stores and platforms they use to shop, especially when it means learning about a sale or special offer. Communicating via text messaging is even more important in the middle of a global pandemic, with many individuals reluctant to visit retail locations. Being able to send a message to a customer and be sure they received it and are thus more likely to act on it is a great way to ensure you are engaging with your customers.
It is also a great opportunity to obtain the necessary consent to send text messages to your customers. Consumers are more willing to receive these types of messages if it means they can get a good deal and not have to get up from the living room couch.
Many retailers and companies have taken it upon themselves to share information about how to celebrate Halloween safely, which is another opportunity to engage with consumers via text messaging. Letting people know you are there to help them better understand what is and what is not allowed is a great PR opportunity.
Retailers have also shifted their focus to helping consumers celebrate Halloween at home, with decorations and other treats aimed at making the event as fun as possible under the circumstances. Consumers are expected to get creative in how they celebrate Halloween this year, presenting retailers with a chance to get creative as well.