With Halloween now only a week away, Retail Express speaks to four top retailers on how they are driving spooktacular sales.

Bay Bashir, Belle Vue Convenience Store (Lifestyle Express), Middlesbrough

“Halloween is a massive occasion that most retailers don’t engage with. On the day we’ll have free cakes from the afternoon for the kids. We spend a good bit of money with a display. We always do something different, so this year we’re getting the staff to dress up – the kids will like it and it’s a good laugh.”

Avtar Sidhu, Sukhi’s Simply Fresh & Post Office, Kenilworth

“Last year we were caught off guard before with trick or treaters so this year we are welcoming people to come and do it. We’ll be serving tomato and chicken soup and working with our local bread supplier to give the parents a reason to stay in the store. Halloween is a chance to reaffirm your credentials within the community.”

Kully and Sandy Sandhu, Nisa Local, Basford, Nottingham

Last year, pumpkins and party food sold well. This year we’re planning to do a pumpkin-carving competition with the local school – we’ll put their pumpkins in the window then select a winner. With the drawn-out nights and the weather often being wet, it’s the time of year when people need a reason to have a party.”

Janette Tucker, Lifestyle Express, Winscombe, Somerset

“We’ve got a lot of sweets and Halloween themed cakes on offer at the moment. We’ve taken photos of our Halloween displays and put them on Facebook and people have commented back saying ‘where did you get your ghosts from’ and ‘doesn’t the shop look nice’. It stirs up interest and that’s what you need.”

Have you added any decorations to your store? Tweet us your pictures to @Better Retailing