Sales hopes rise for High St on Hallowe’en fillip

Hallowe'en looks set to be the best yet for the high street, stoking hopes that Christmas will not be as bad as feared.

Research by Planet Retail showed UK sales of Hallowe'en-related products are expected to hit £235 million this year, up from £195 million last year and £12 million in 2001.

The expected sales boost is a positive indicator for Christmas trading prospects although retailers remain cautious about the outlook over the festive period.

Edward Whitefield, chairman of MHE Retail, told Retail Week: "Hallowe'en is a very important indicator for Christmas sales. Hallowe'en is a time when impulsive spending takes hold and discretionary spending is really under pressure."

Sainsbury's is expecting is biggest Hallowe'en, boosted by it falling on a Saturday, which it hopes will encourage more adults to take part.