5 Questions With: Cherise Shannon

Halloween will be here before you know it! Like 2020, we know many consumers plan to decorate their home for this spooky season. And with the current Covid-19 climate, we’re anticipating that 41% of consumers will increase the level of front porch and lawn decorations to celebrate the season.* Today we’re talking with Cherise Shannon,?Director - Halloween Costumes, Licensed Accessories & Décor, to hear about this year’s must-have decor, when people start decorating, and other ways people will be celebrating the Halloween season.

Is it too early to start decorating for Halloween? My neighbor is already set!?

It’s never too early to start decorating for Halloween! While 48% of consumers say the Halloween season starts October 1st,* we’ve seen many consumers get a jump-start on decorating before then. As the expert, I’d say any time after Labor Day is a safe bet but we’ve seen Halloween enthusiasts sharing themes and ideas as they create unique outdoor settings starting as early as July. We check our assortments against these early themes to make sure we are well positioned when the Labor Day rush starts!?

Have you decorated your home yet?

Absolutely! As a Halloween enthusiast myself, I love decorating both the inside and outside of my home and like to start early. My kids also enjoy getting in on the action and helping decorate. Decorating for Halloween has become a yearly tradition that my family looks forward to.

How are you decorating your house this year?

I always start with decorating the outside of my home. First, my kids and I will take out the decorations from previous years, and then we shop at Party City to find additional decor that will help bring our vision to life. Next, we like to cover our porch, shrubs, and fence with webbing, instantly creating a spooky vibe. Then we add lights, tombstones, and hanging props. Hanging props are great to hang from a tree or your front porch and add nice visual interest. Lastly, I add one to two animatronics on my front porch to really elevate the scene. Our family, friends, and neighbors love interacting with the animatronics.

What are this season’s must-haves to make my yard better than my neighbors?

Definitely Yorrik, our 5ft posable skeleton! They're popping up in our stores, site, and social channels too to give customers ideas for how to bring Yorrik to life in hilarious, spooky, and even some down-right frightening ways! Animatronics, tombstones, webbing, hanging props, or fog machines are also key for setting the outdoor stage.?

Outside of decorating, how else will families be celebrating this year?

Consumer studies predict that 89% of families will trick or treat in 2021*, compared to only 56% in 2020, so this long-standing tradition may be back in areas of the country where it is safe to do so. Additionally, our recently conducted consumer survey predicts we’ll see a 26% increase in Trunk or Treat participation this year.* This fun and creative alternative to traditional trick-or-treating has been gaining popularity over the years. Last year we also saw candy chutes, candy scavenger hunts, and other creative celebrations which we fully anticipate to continue to be part of the mix this year and for years to come really as families have embraced new traditions for family fun.

* Party City Independent Study in Partnership with BSM Media. August 24, 2021.