With the Halloween season fast approaching, try incorporating some Halloween spirit into your bakery to help boost sales. The National Retail Federation predicted that Halloween spending this year will hit an all-time high of $8.4 billion in the United States alone. Take a look at some of these marketing suggestions made by the U.S. Small Business Administration to see how you can take advantage of this spooky holiday!

1. Advertise creative Halloween discounts
Located in a residential area? Offer your customers a discount for stopping by your bakery in costume on Halloween night.

2. Add seasonal and Halloween-themed items to your menu
Pumpkin spice is all the rage once the leaves start to change colour. Try adding some pumpkin-inspired treats or decorated Halloween cookies and cupcakes to your offerings.

3. Promotional products
Hand out some low cost Halloween-related promotional products, like glow sticks, pumpkin carving stencils or treat-or-treat bags. Incorporate your business logo on the item to stay relevant in the minds of your customers.

4. Sponsor a local Halloween event
Take a look around your community for fun Halloween events that you can sponsor. Many towns have haunted houses, parades, trick-or-treat events or Halloween parties.

5. Host a Halloween Contest
Hold a Halloween contest that would be relevant and fun for your customer base. For example, you could host a Halloween cookie or cake decorating contest or a poster-colouring contest for kids.

6. Partner with a local business
Join forces with other local businesses to create a fun event in your community. Some ideas include a trick-or-treat night or scavenger hunt.

7. Mail Halloween greeting cards
Send out some Halloween cards to your customers and include a special offer for the Halloween season.

8. Support a local charity
Gather donations for your favourite charity by providing your customers a treat for “treating” those in need. You could collect canned goods, used clothes, or any else your charity may be looking for.