There’s a mixed outlook for convenience retailers this Halloween, with consumers planning to tighten budgets overall – but plenty of scope remains to capture impulse and late-season sales, according to new data from product intelligence firm Vypr.
Vypr’s annual Halloween survey shows that almost a third of UK shoppers (31%) expect to spend less this year, although only one in 10 plan to cut back significantly compared to 2024. Almost two-thirds (61%) say they will spend about the same as last year.
The biggest reductions will come from households buying fewer sweets for trick-or-treaters, with 11 per cent saying they will cut back. Even so, one in five (21%) still plan to spend between £6 and £10 on sweets and treats. Haribo remains the top choice for just over a third of shoppers (35%), followed closely by own-label sweets (32%).
Vypr founder Ben Davies said convenience stores could stand to benefit from the new HFSS volume promotion restrictions now affecting supermarkets.
“With Haribo being the nation’s favourite trick or treat sweet brand, any retailers which can offer better deals than their local supermarkets could have an easy win,” he said. “Other products that 51 per cent of consumers are looking for this year, also affected by HFSS rules, include savoury snacks, ready-made cakes and soft drinks.”
Vypr’s findings also suggest strong potential for last-minute sales. Nearly half of consumers (46%) say they plan to decorate their homes in mid-October, while almost a quarter (24%) will do so the day before Halloween. In addition, 38 per cent intend to spend between £11 and £20 on decorations – an increase on 2024 levels.
However, enthusiasm for sustainable Halloween products remains muted. A majority (58%) are unwilling to pay extra for eco-friendly costumes, 39 per cent show no interest in sustainable packaging, and 57 per cent are not concerned about choosing ethical or vegan sweet brands.