From big box stores to small businesses, the fall season, primarily Halloween, is a billion dollar industry many in the business world look to cash in on every year.
According to Wallethub, Halloween 2018 will generate $9 billion in sales this year alone, ranging from costumes, candy, decorations, flowers and yes, pumpkin spice lattes.
In 2003, Starbucks introduced the pumpkin spice latte in 100 locations, eventually sparking a national phenomenon that has since become associated with fall festivities.
In a 2017 report, Starbucks sold around $350 million in pumpkin spice lattes, amounting to $1.4 billion in company revenue since the drink was introduced in 2003.
At Summermoon in Kyle, the coffee shop’s menu is filled with fall and Halloween inspired drinks, giving coffee enthusiast an opportunity to shop locally.
But the coffee industry isn’t the only business looking to cash in on fall. Wildflower Blessings in Kyle is also taking part and is building bouquets that match the season.
Nicolie Linder, the owner of Wildflower Blessings, said the floral industry revolves around what flowers are in season. During Halloween, the team at Wildflower Blessings can add spooky decorations to a bouquet of flowers with darker, earthy tones, in accordance with the season.
“It adds creativity to our work and allows us to craft a bouquet that goes with the season,” said Heather Olson, manager at Wildflower Blessings. “Especially during Halloween, we can add flowers to a pumpkin, gourd and other Halloween inspired decor.”
Halloween inspired floral arrangements includes crotons, a plant that has pigments of green, burgundy, dark reds and oranges, all colors associated with fall.
Linder said business has continued to grow since she acquired the business in the summer.
During Thanksgiving, the team expects large floral arrangement orders to come in.
Whether it be coffee or flowers, businesses across the country and in Hays County, will look towards incorporating season items that have been historically successful.
