‘Summerween’ trend prompting stores to list Halloween products early

Retailers have started promoting Halloween early this year. Big sellers, including Home Depot, Target and Lowe’s, have already launched decor and merchandise online for the spooky holiday under a trend that people call “Summerween,” even though trick-or-treating is months away.

Michaels arts and crafts stores released its first Halloween collection earlier than ever before in late June, according to John Gehre, the chief merchandising officer.

Costco has large holiday-themed decorations, like a 7-foot animated pumpkin scarecrow and a werewolf on display. HomeGoods and Sam’s Club offer a wide variety of Halloween products, from decor to candy, including Reese’s pumpkins.

The store dedicated to the holiday, Spirit Halloween, plans to open over 1,500 stores this year.

Halloween is big $
The strategy aims to encourage consumers to prepare and spend money well before the holiday, as Halloween has become a major sales event.

Last year, sales during the trick-or-treat season were projected to reach $12.2 billion, with $6.4 billion spent on candy alone.