Halloween Trunk-or-Treat Opportunity

What is trunk-or-treat, why does it matter and how does it relate to restaurant marketing?

Trunk-or-treat events bring Halloween to parking lots where kids go from car to car and get candy. They're popular at schools, churches, in rural areas where homes are far apart, and in places where trick-or-treating isn't safe."

It is a perfect opportunity to connect with the community by hosting a special event. It can include decorations, lighting, free coupons, treats, celebrations, games and even a costume contest,

Special events like trunk-or-treat are shared word of mouth (in the new world of media, they are shared via Twitter, Facebook, NextDoor.com, etc)

Sure thing... it might change the meaning of traditional Halloween as kids used to go from house to house showing off costumes. But "Trick or Treat" has become a risky venture for kids as mean and crazy people try to do harm in treats.

Spending on/for Halloween has not slowed down.

2016: HALLOWEEN SPENDING TO REACH $8.4 BILLION
More than 171 million Americans plan to celebrate Halloween this year, spending an average $82.93, up from last year’s $74.34. Total spending is expected to reach $8.4 billion, an all-time high in the history of NRF’s annual survey conducted by Prosper Insights. The survey finds that 7 in 10 consumers plan to hand out candy, and nearly half will decorate their home or dress in costume. See more survey highlights.

Take a look at Halloween trends and the favorite costumes:

Top 2016 Halloween Trends from National Retail Federation

You still have a week to participate but will have to wait until next year if you want to host a trunk-or-treat event. Here is a Trunk-or-Treat Planning Guide for your convenience. If you visit a couple Trunk-or-Treats this year, take notes and listen well. What is missing? What would make a Trunk-or-Treat even more awesome?

There will be costumes by the staff along with guidelines and principles to follow.

If you include a costume contest at the Truck-or-Treat where the winner is notified by email and/or phone, this becomes a way to stay in touch and make invitations all year.

As restaurateurs look for opportunities to give the community reasons to celebrate and share word of mouth, this is should be a no-brainer. A "fancier" restaurant will do it with class, a pizza place will have a more casual event.

If you need simple steps to set up a successful Trunk-or-Treat event, check out Wiki-How here.

Awesome Restaurant Marketing Ideas!