How’s this for in-store theatre? This pumpkin, weighing a massive 37 stone, is one of three acquired by Budgens for display in stores in Berkshire and Cambridgeshire this week, and is believed to be among the biggest pumpkins on display anywhere in the UK.
The biggest of the three was grown by Jimmy Rimmer and, at 39 stone, is the equivalent of around 50 average pumpkins. The three on display are taken from the 34 pumpkins that entered the annual giant pumpkin weigh-in in Lancashire – the only event of its kind in the country.
With the pumpkin market worth approximately £25m in the UK, this incredible sight will surely put these retailers ahead of the crop. What are you doing this Halloween to get shoppers through the doors and buying those Halloween treats from you?
Nick Shanagher
28/10/2010
Waitrose reports that shoppers are really buying into Halloween this year, with sales of large pumpkins up by 676 per cent, year on year. Sales of pumpkin carving kits are up 13 per cent and of Halloween decorations up 21 per cent. A useful benchmark for your sales.
Steve
28/10/2010
Does this Halloween sales hike indicate an improving retail economic environment? We have sold more pumpkins this year than ever before, (this of course may be helped by the fact that we have not stock them in past years.)
Nick Shanagher
29/10/2010
Waitrose is having a turbocharged year as its product mix and value proposition is winning more shoppers. It sounds more like that you are doing the same thing for your shoppers – with a proper Halloween offer – rather than an indicator of an improving economic environment.
I have just seen some posters from Tesco for buy one, get two free on Cadbury finger biscuits – which suggests that they are running out of ideas, unlike Waitrose with its new Heston range.
chander Hingorani
05/11/2010
Today is Diwali- the Indian new year. It s the biggest Indian Festival and is the festival of lights, so I would like to wish every one a HAPPY DIWALI.
May the auspicious festival of lights, illuminate your life in the year ahead with happiness, peace and prosperity.
All the best.