Jack-o-lanterns. Skeletons. Candy. And the $10 billion in sales? … PART OF IT.

If you have not yet seen SNL’s Haunted Elevator (ft. David S. Pumpkins) skit, you’re missing out on the brilliantly odd inspiration for our headline. More importantly, if you can connect your product or service to Halloween in a fun and compelling way but fail to do so, you may be missing out on an easy seasonal boost in awareness or sales.

According to the National Retail Federation’s (NRF) 2021 Halloween trends, Halloween-related consumer spending is expected to reach an all-time high of $10.14 billion this year. That’s enough to buy 4 billion bags of Brach’s Candy Corn and still have money left for some Necco Wafers – yes, it’s still possible to hand these out to the dismay of unsuspecting trick-or-treaters.

We can thank the pandemic for the added enthusiasm and spending surrounding Halloween 2021. In fact, consumers are expected to spend an average of $102.74 which is close to pre-pandemic levels according to the NRF.

Get a piece of the Pumpkin Pie!

Tap your creative streak and give your response metrics a lift by adding some seasonal relevance to your promotions. The following examples prove that you don’t have to be in the candy, costume or decorating business.

We’ll leave you to enjoy this the fall weather with a quick tip: While it’s perfectly fine to have fun with Halloween-inspired messaging, keep it relevant. Otherwise, your marketing is doomed to be perceived as more trick than treat.