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Fall Marketing Playbook: Why Now is the Time to Promote the Season
I always ask my fellow marketing gurus this question: Is PSL the new hot chocolate, and has Halloween officially replaced Thanksgiving as fall’s favorite holiday. Why? At CMA we do numerous Halloween events and not only is it BIG business at our retailers, it brings in a multi-generational demographic making it the perfect storm from babies in pumpkin onesies to great-great-grandmas handing out candy. Everyone also gets in on the fun, making fall one of the strongest shopping seasons of the year and a prime opportunity for Halloween marketing.
The big question for retailers: Are you promoting fall in the right places?
Let’s take a narrow dive into a few of the platforms
YouTube
Shoppers love seasonal storytelling. Short, visual videos showing cozy fall moments pumpkin carving, family dinners, or soft blankets connect instantly. A 30-second YouTube pre-roll ad can feel like a local Hallmark moment that drives shoppers straight to your door.
Meta (Facebook + Instagram)
Fall is Instagram gold. Pumpkins, plaid, and lattes are exactly what people want to share. Reels of in-store displays, carousels of “fall favorites,” and fun hashtags like #PumpkinSeason keep your business top of mind. On Facebook, promote events like Halloween contests or fall sales weekends to drive community engagement. These are classic Halloween marketing strategies that keep your business visible when shoppers are most engaged. Remember to post REAL photos of your staff and family as that will help get an emotional connection with followers.
When shoppers search “fall décor near me” or “Halloween costumes in Folsom,” they are ready to buy. Update your Google Business Profile with seasonal photos and hours and run Google Ads that capture local searches. If you are not using fall keywords, you are leaving sales on the table.
In-Store
Digital gets shoppers interested, but in-store wins them over. Create photo-worthy displays, offer pumpkin spice samples, or hand out mini pumpkins to kids. The longer shoppers stay, the more they spend. And remember, Halloween is not just for kids anymore, adults want in on the fun too. Simple selfie stations keep them in place longer and they can share their location and hopefully your logo is somewhere in the photo.
The Takeaway
Fall is not just about products; it is about feelings. Cozy, nostalgic, festive. The retailers who tap into that energy online and in-store win big. Halloween marketing is a powerful way to capture both nostalgia and excitement while boosting fall sales. So, this year do not just decorate your windows – decorate your feeds, your ads, your search listings, and your store.
Fall is fun. Fall is profitable. And pumpkin spice? It is the official start of shopping season. And don’t forget to surprise your team with an extra spicy pumpkin latte. 🙂
Let’s make this fall unforgettable.
At Creative Marketing Arts, we don’t just market the season – we create it. From running Halloween events that bring the community together to crafting digital campaigns that drive sales, we help retailers turn fall into their most profitable season yet.
AUTHOR
Kim Kelley, Marketing Guru
Kim Kelley is the Principal at Creative Marketing Arts. With over 30 years in the Shopping Center industry, Kim offers creative ideas blended perfectly for REIT Advertising and Marketing. With an eye for perfection and creative flair, Kim offers all clients Out of the Box solutions.