Halloween helps local businesses
Retailers, not just costume shops, see increase in sales during Halloween
It may be an imported phenomenon but Halloween, which falls on Oct 31, now means big business for local retailers.
Mr Sanee Neo's business, Customade Costume and Merchandise in Toa Payoh, is one such example.
The 26-year-old says he earns five times more in October compared to June or July, thanks to Halloween.
He says: "Some 10 years ago I saw only Caucasians and expatriates dressing up and partying but now Singaporeans who dress up flood the streets during Halloween, especially at the Clarke Quay area."
He started the business in 2012, and has a manufacturing outlet in Batam, Indonesia, which produces the costumes.
EXTRA DEMAND
He also notices many companies holding dinner-and-dance events during this period.
Many ride on the Halloween theme, so there is extra demand.
Other costume shops such as Pan-in-the-box and Truly Yours also report that Halloween makes the bulk of their sales yearly.
In fact, Pan-in-the-box, located at The Central in Clarke Quay, sees a drastic increase in sales.
Its founder, Mr Kenneth Lee, says comparing his takings in October to other months is like comparing "heaven and earth".
He would not reveal exact figures.
Besides the usual suspects like costume rentals, other business are reporting gains from Halloween too.
LessonsGoWhere.com.sg is offering Halloween-themed baking classes, and co-founder Mr Ng E-Fei, 31, says that there has been a 60 per cent increase in bookings compared to the rest of the year.
CASHING IN
Clubs like Attica at Clarke Quay are also cashing in on the trend.
Mr Mark Brimblecombe, co-owner of Attica, says that they historically see a 40 per cent increase in sales during the Halloween weekend compared to the average weekend.
"I think Halloween strikes a chord here, as it is something that can be enjoyed by all... It is nearly as popular as it is in the US now," he says.
"We do receive a lot of enquiries for private events but try to book these on the days leading up to the night itself, as Halloween is something we want all our regulars to enjoy."
Bakeries, too, are not missing out - many are offering Halloween-themed goodies just for the season.
A spokesman for Twelve Cupcakes says: "All the customers steered towards the limited-edition Halloween cupcakes last year. So this year, we hope that it would get even better."
Some 10 years ago I saw only Caucasians and expatriates dressing up and partying but now, Singaporeans who dress up flood the streets during Halloween, especially at the Clarke Quay area.
- Mr Sanee Neo, founder of Customade Costume & Merchandise
Where to go this Halloween
Going by the plethora of upcoming events to celebrate Halloween, people here have definitely come to embrace this scary festival. Here are some of our picks:
TOP 3
Changi Revisited - The Hendon Horrors
This is no typical haunted house affair. The event is set in 1981 in the fictitious The Hendon Hotel.
Visitors form part of an investigative unit tasked to solve a mystery after a series of unexplained events which culminate in the disturbing disappearance of a hotel guest and a police officer.
These events are inspired by real reports of sightings and history in Singapore.
When: Oct 23-25 and Oct 30
Afternoon: 12pm-6pm
Evening: 7pm-12am
Where: 24-35, Hendon Road
How much: (1-3 Pax): $68 each
(Team of 4) : $62 each
(Team of 6): Buy 5 Tickets at $62 each and get 1 free
Website: www.changirevisited.com
Halloween Brick-or-Treat with Frankenstein, The Green Witch and more at Legoland
Frankenstein's monster has just arrived at Legoland Malaysia Resort for Halloween.
Kids can also attend special shows hosted by Lord Vampyre and the Green Witch, get lost in Lord Vampyre's Ballroom Maze, build pumpkins from Legos.
Those who love sweet treats can get messy at the Monster Cupcake Station, where they can decorate their own cupcakes with plenty of yummy soil and worms!
When: Oct 6-31
Where: Legoland Malaysia Resort, 7, Jalan Legoland, Bandar Medini, 79250 Nusajaya, Johor, Malaysia
How much: RM85 (S$28)
Website: www.legoland.com.my/en/Plan/Events/Halloween/
Scary Scary Night: Halloween at Bugis Street
Visitors can expect chills down their spine as they experience Bugis Street's alleys after the shops' shutters come down and the lights go out.
When: Oct 23-24 and Oct 30-31 after 10pm
Where: Bugis Street
How much:
Student: $29 Standard: $45
Website: www.bugisstreet.com.sg
CLUBS/BARS
THE LABYRINTH AT KYO
When: Oct 31, 10.30pm
Where: 133, Cecil Street, #B2-01
How much: $20 for women and $25 for men (includes one drink for both)
Tales from the Crib
When: Oct 31, 7pm
Where: 79, Circular Road, #02-01/#03-01
How much: $12 (includes one drink)
CHILDREN
Halloween Baking Special!
When: Oct 21, 1-6pm
Where: 17, Eng Hoon Street, #01-03, Eng Hoon Mansions
How much: $70
Website: www.lessonsgowhere.com.sg/baking-classes/halloween-baking-special#
Safari Boo: A merry not scary kids event
When: Oct 23-Nov 1, 6pm-10pm
Where: River Safari, 80, Mandai Lake Road
How much: Free for kids aged 12 and below, adults $20
Website: www.m.wrs.com.sg/safariboo/#buy-ticket
Halloween Trick or Treat @Woodlands Woodgrove
When: Oct 31, 6pm-8pm (or until the candy runs out!)
Where: Woodlands Woodgrove
How much: Free!
Website: www.halloween.sg/singapore-halloween-events/245-halloween-trick-or-treat...
Halloween Spooky Freeze at The Rink
When: Oct 23, 24, 30 and 31, 10.30am-11.45pm
Where: The Rink, 2, Jurong East Central 1, Level 3, JCube
How much: Earlybird Ticket (before Oct 22): $18, Standard Ticket: $23 for a two-hour session, skates included in the price
Website: www.therink.sg/happenings
RESTAURANTS/BARS
Paradise Found: The White Rabbit's Annual Halloween Bash
When: Oct 31, 9pm-late
Where: The White Rabbit, 39C, Harding Road
How much: Free. Text or call 97210536 for reservations
Website: www.thewhiterabbit.com.sg
Murder on the Dancefloor
When: Oct 30-31, 10.15pm till late
Where: Timbre @ Substation
How much: Free
Website: www.timbregroup.asia
How to look like the walking dead
Why look normal and proper when you can look bloody and awesome?
I decided to take advantage of this Halloween season to scare the guts out of everyone in the office (cue evil laughter).
The New Paper on Sunday brings you a simple DIY Halloween Fake Wound Look.
For less than $10, you can create your own horrifying look, complete with fake blood.
Go to tnp.sg to see the video of how it's done.
WARNING: This is not for the faint-hearted. The visuals presented may be disturbing, graphic and bloody.
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