Norfolk’s economy is expected to see a boost over the next week as shoppers flock to the High Street to prepare for what has become one of the biggest nights of the year. Retailers predict a bump in their autumn profits, and Norfolk traders will be taking full advantage as October 31 falls in the half term holidays.
And with more and more events lined up around the region, experts are confident the combined boost of Halloween and school holidays will be frighteningly good.
Nova Fairbank of the Norfolk Chamber of Commerce said: “Halloween now has one of the largest retail spends after the Christmas period and many Norfolk retailers are capitalising on this. However as Halloween invariably falls within the half term holidays, it is quite hard to differentiate between increased retail spending as a result of half term and spending specific to Halloween.”
Richard Marks from John Lewis, Norwich is one of our Chamber members, Richard said “John Lewis is expecting a boost in sales for gift food and Halloween novelty items during the week.”
And another Chamber member, Vicky Merrison, Marketing Manager from Castle Mall Shopping Centre said “Footfall was up this time last year in the centre, helped by the Spooky City Parade, our own Halloween activities and the children’s half term. We would expect the footfall this year to be level with last year.”
More of Norfolk’s attractions are pulling out all the stops for Halloween, including the Horrible History Trail in Sheringham Park, who are putting on shows, talks and walks with a spooky theme. There will be more people taking on what’s on offer in the city and anything that contributes to the vitality and vibrancy of the city centre is always going to be a positive thing.
