A HALLOWEEN retailer says 2012 was the biggest year yet for pumpkin sales in
Swan Hill.
Critics might say the American tradition has its roots more
firmly planted in consumerism and sugar, than the Celtic festival for the
dead.
But criticism aside, Swan Hill’s youngsters took on the trick or treat
tradition with frightening zeal and they weren’t the only ones.
Safeway Swan
Hill manager Tony Williams said his staff took the initiative to dress up on
Wednesday and the store had chosen to stock Halloween-related items in the weeks
before.
“Head office says you can do it, but not every store does,” Mr
Williams said.
Halloween pumpkins have been the biggest seller at the Swan
Hill supermarket this year, with 20 to 30 of the bright orange, thin skinned
(perfect for carving) vegetables sold, according to staff.
Mr Williams said
embracing the especially spooky event did bring in more business but it couldn’t
be quantified.
“It’s gaining traction, every year it’s going up,” Mr
Williams said.
And did the idea of celebrating Halloween appeal to Mr
Williams? “No comment”.
