Halloween is booming in the Free State. The Bavarian Trade Association expects sales of around 77 million euros this year in connection with the festival, as managing director Bernd Ohlmann says. This is a “gigantic increase” even compared to the pre-Corona period. In 2019 it was 51 million euros.
In terms of importance for retail, Halloween in Bavaria leaves carnival behind. For him, the sales estimate at the beginning of the year was around 40 million euros. However, according to Ohlmann, Halloween does not come close to Valentine’s Day with 140 million euros in retail sales or Mother’s Day.
“The night of horror is really fun for us,” says Ohlmann. The food trade in particular benefits, especially when it comes to confectionery. But toys, costumes, decorations, make-up and joke items also sold well. “For some industries, this is a good source of revenue.” Similar to carnival: “The fans don’t skimp on it even in difficult times.”
Celebrated on the eve of All Saints’ Day, Halloween originally comes from Ireland but is also very popular in the USA. From there the custom came to Germany and Bavaria, where it gradually gained popularity.