No tricks or treats: Over half of us won't open the door this Halloween

More than half of those polled said that they won’t open their door for trick or treaters this year.

18:08 22 October 2014

A research study published by ecommerce partner WebLoyalty has revealed that more than 50per cent of the British public will not open their doors for trick or treaters this year.

91.9per cent of those who were surveyed said that they view trick or treaters as either nuisance of intimidating.

The research also revealed British attitudes towards seasonal traditions including buying pumpkins and fireworks.

At this time of year, retailers are looking forward to cash in on Halloween and Bonfire night.

Based on the figures, 57per cent of Brits will buy specific Halloween goods this year, while 18.3per cent will spend more money on Bonfire night. 2.1per cent said that they’ll be shopping for Diwali.

“It’s interesting to see that consumer attitude and projected spend do not always match up” said Guy Chiswick, Managing Director of Webloyalty Northern Europe.

 “The results show that Halloween spending is up, despite such negative feelings towards trick or treaters, and the general acceptance that Halloween is purely a commercial opportunity.

“Shoppers are embracing Halloween, while having a stronger affinity to celebrations such as Bonfire Night, but this isn’t reflected in the sales figures with less than a fifth of us spending on Bonfire Night.

“Perhaps it’s a good opportunity for retailers to remember the 5th of November and respond to consumer appetite and inject a feeling of excitement that the research has revealed may be missing.”