fall events position retailers well for key Halloween spending season; draw thousands of guests to wpg properties

The Halloween season is wrapping up for 2024. This year, the National Retail Federation expected Halloween spending to reach $11.6 billion, just below last year's record-setting $12.2 billion. Here are a few key takeaways from the NRF report:

• Across spending categories, decorations and costumes top the list, with spending expected to reach $3.8 billion, followed by candy at $3.5 billion.
• Those taking part in the spooky season planned to spend an average of $103.63 per person.
• Discount stores (37%) remain the top destination to buy Halloween items, followed by specialty Halloween/costume stores (33%).

Fall events at wpg properties

As the spending predictions suggest, Halloween has become a key shopping season. Our property teams embraced this trend by creating a safe space for families in the community to experience all the spooky season has to offer, while promoting our retailers.

Several properties, including Clay Terrace in Carmel, Indiana; Polaris Fashion Place in Columbus, Ohio; and Longview Mall in Longview, Texas, held Boo and Brew events. This event allows adults to treat their taste buds, while the younger crowd enjoys festive fall activities like root beer, s'mores, hayrides and pumpkin painting.

At Ashland Town Center in Ashland, Kentucky, pet owners brought their dogs to the mall for Howl-o-Ween. The event featured a pet costume contest, a pumpkin pie eating contest and more.

Pumpkin Palooza at Orange Park Mall in Orange Park, Florida, was the perfect family outing to get in the autumn spirit. The first 100 kids received a free pumpkin to paint and everyone indulged in tasty pumpkin treats and experienced an enchanting storytime.

Now it's time for our property teams to start preparing for the next key shopping season!