Spooktacular Sales: How Thrift Stores Can Win Big This Halloween

Halloween is the busiest time of year for thrift stores, and for good reason. Where else can you find one-of-a-kind costumes, quirky decor, and affordable treasures that bring spooky season to life?

But behind the scenes, the Halloween rush can feel like a monster of its own. Racks get messy, pricing gets tricky, and customers are zooming in at the last minute. The good news? With a little creativity, planning, and the right tools, thrift stores can turn Halloween chaos into Halloween magic.

Here’s how to get your store ready for its most hauntingly good season.

1. Create a “Halloween Headquarters”

Don’t scatter costumes and decor across your store. Bring everything together in one central “Halloween Headquarters.” Dedicate a front-and-center space for all things spooky: costumes, accessories, makeup, wigs, props, and decorations.

Within this section, use subcategories to keep it organized:

• Costumes by theme (superheroes, fantasy, scary, funny).
• Decor by type (indoor, outdoor, tabletop).
• Accessories in bins or hooks (wigs, hats, masks).

This makes it easy for busy shoppers to find what they need and inspires them to pick up extras.

2. Put DIY Costumes on Display

Not everyone walks in knowing what they want to be. Inspire them! Stage mannequins with full looks made from thrifted finds:

• Flannel + straw hat = Scarecrow chic.
• Vintage suit jacket + cane = Old Hollywood vampire.
• Black dress + chunky jewelry = Glamorous ghoul.

It’s no surprise that 52% of DIY costume shoppers head straight to thrift stores for materials. Highlight this strength by adding little tags that say “Costume Idea: Under $20” so shoppers instantly see the value.

3. Keep the Chaos Contained

Halloween shoppers can be spirited. Racks get picked through fast, and if things look too messy, customers may bolt. Keep the mayhem under control with clear sections by size, style, or theme.

Behind the scenes, having a streamlined process makes all the difference. Tools like Thrift Production Manager help staff price, tag, and organize merchandise faster, which means new treasures make it to the sales floor before the crowds get restless. Instead of digging through piles, shoppers are greeted with fresh, easy-to-browse displays.

4. Make Prices Crystal Clear

No one wants a haunted price tag. Whether it’s a sequined jacket doubling as a disco diva costume or a plastic skeleton for the yard, use bright, easy-to-read tags and signage. Consistent pricing keeps checkout lines moving and makes shoppers feel confident they’re scoring a deal.

Halloween brings a wide mix of merchandise, (costumes, clothing, decor, and props) which can make pricing complicated. That’s where data-driven tools like TPM come in handy, helping stores keep things consistent and accurate without slowing down the fun.

5. Set the Spooky Scene

Why stop at costumes? Make your store feel like a Halloween wonderland. Add cobwebs, pumpkins, spooky music, or even a fog machine if you’re feeling extra. The vibe gets customers excited and encourages them to linger, and the longer they stay, the more they buy.

Bonus points: pump some fall scents (like cinnamon or apple spice) through candles or air fresheners to complete the mood.

6. Get Staff in the Spirit

Nothing says “Halloween shopping” like being greeted by a cashier dressed as a mad scientist or a sales associate in a thrifted fairy outfit. Encourage your team to have fun and model costumes made from store items. It shows off creativity and gets customers thinking, “I could pull that look off too!”

7. Plan for the Morning After

November 1st comes fast. Have a plan to mark down costumes and decor for shoppers who want to stock up for next year. Move spooky stuff to a clearance section so you can make room for the next holiday wave.

Trick or Treat, Thrift-Store Style

Halloween is a thrift store’s time to shine. With organized displays, creative staging, festive vibes, and a little behind-the-scenes help from tools like Thrift Production Manager, you can turn seasonal chaos into your most profitable (and most fun) time of year.

Because at the end of the day, thrift stores aren’t just selling costumes. They’re selling creativity, nostalgia, and the thrill of finding that perfect piece to make Halloween unforgettable.