The Interplay of Psychology, Economics, and Corporate Influence
Halloween, a celebration with historical ties to ancient Celtic harvest festivals, has evolved into a consumerist spectacle where the line between tradition and commercial interests has blurred. The contemporary rendition of this holiday is marked by an upsurge in spending, driven by a complex interplay between psychological inclinations, economic imperatives, and corporate interventions.
Psychological Axis
The appeal of Halloween lies in its psychological underpinnings. It offers an opportunity for individuals to adopt alternate personas, express creativity, and experience a sense of escapism. The psychological allure of dressing up in costumes, engaging in spooky decorations, and partaking in themed activities taps into the human desire for novelty and play. Moreover, the social aspect of Halloween fosters a sense of community and belonging, contributing to its widespread popularity.
However, the commercialization of Halloween exploits these psychological inclinations. Advertisements strategically target consumers, triggering a fear of missing out (FOMO) and a desire to conform to societal norms. The fear-based marketing campaigns often instigate a sense of urgency, compelling individuals to spend on costumes, decorations, and candies, perpetuating a cycle of consumption.
Economic Axis
The economic dimensions of commercialized Halloween are profound. Retailers, particularly corporate giants like Walmart, capitalize on this holiday by stocking and promoting an array of Halloween-themed products.
Walmart has a huge adversiting budget for promoting Halloween! while also having the best revenue from Halloween related sales.
See the loop?
From costumes and candies to decorations and party supplies, the market is inundated with merchandise catering to the celebratory spirit. Walmart, with its vast reach and competitive pricing, significantly influences consumer behavior by offering a one-stop destination for Halloween essentials.
The influx of advertising revenues during the Halloween season is staggering. Corporations invest heavily in marketing strategies, leveraging various platforms, including television, online ads, and social media. This advertising barrage further fuels consumer spending by perpetuating the allure of products and experiences associated with the holiday.
See also The Business of Halloween → https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C4z4U6g8raY
Social Media Promotion
Social media has emerged as a pivotal tool in amplifying the commercialization of Halloween. Platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Pinterest facilitate the dissemination of visually appealing content, encouraging individuals to showcase elaborate costumes, decorations, and themed parties. Influencers and celebrities play a crucial role in promoting consumerism by endorsing products and creating aspirational Halloween experiences, thereby influencing their followers’ spending habits. Also here we see the Loop for being seen.
Mostly people get excited for commercial Halloween because they SEE it on social media. They prepare special costumes, attend themed parties to be SEEN on social media with posting & stories etc.
So..
The commercialization of Halloween is a complex interweaving of psychological, economic, and corporate elements. While it satisfies individuals’ psychological yearnings for creativity and social interaction, the relentless commercial push perpetuates consumerism. As Walmart and other retail giants continue to shape consumer behavior and advertising revenues surge, the influence of social media further amplifies the commodification of this once culturally rich celebration. Understanding these dynamics is essential in comprehending the evolving landscape of holidays and the societal implications of commercialization.
