Halloween 2017: The Australian way to get into the spirit

Australians are making Halloween their own as seen by the increasing demand for outfits and themed party decorations. Several Aussie families will be carving pineapples into jack-o’-lanterns this year, according to a survey. Coles conducted a poll that involved parents across Australia, with over 3,000 respondents saying they would put their own spin on the American holiday this year.

“As more Australians embrace Halloween celebrations, we have seen the demand for carving pumpkins triple in the last six years and with support from great Australian growers, we’re able to provide more each year,” a Coles spokesperson said. The company’s representative added that they are happy to see an “emerging trend of carving pineapples.” A recent survey revealed that more than half of people may try it.

The spokesperson said that using pineapples to celebrate Halloween is a uniquely Australian way to get into the spirit. It appears several Aussies are geared to celebrate Halloween. From a commercial perspective, retail and grocery stores offer special treats. Consumers are purchasing different types of costumes, too. Costume Box’s founder Nikki Yeaman said one of the top selling costumes in 2017 is that of a creepy clown. Pop culture figures like Wonder Woman are also selling well.

Freddie Krueger and Ghost Busters are popular Halloween costumes for men. Stephen King’s "It" clown Pennywise is also a go-to Halloween get-up.

Yeaman said the classics such as vampires, witches and zombies do well each year. She added that makeup and special effects have taken off in the young adult market. Costume Box's bestsellers are gross stick-on wounds that create a realistic look.

Halloween will continue to be more popular and grow as a special holiday here. “It will take over days like St Patrick’s Day or Oktoberfest, and it is getting up there with Valentines Day,” social demographer Mark McCrindle said, according to News.com.au. He said that Halloween picked up momentum in a short period of time when it comes to non-holiday special days.

Holidays like Christmas have a religious and social story. Father’s and Mother’s Day, on the other hand, have family connections. McCrindle added that Halloween has nothing like that as it is an “empty day in an emotional, culture, relational sense.”

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