Summerween: A Look at the Trend That Has People Snatching Up Halloween Items Earlier Than Ever

As we enter the dog days of summer, many can’t get enough of cool drinks, pools and lounging in the shade. Others, however, are already dreaming of autumn and all of the spooky fun that comes along with it. This comes as little surprise, however, when Summerween has seemingly taken over. Find out below what this trend is all about and why so many people have either jumped on board or voiced their complaints about it.

What is ‘Summerween’?

This year, Halloween goodies and merchandise have seemingly hit store shelves earlier than usual in what retailers and shoppers have dubbed “Summerween.” The trend has also exploded in popularity on social media as people share their fall-themed finds.

Home Depot got an especially noticeable jump start when they began selling autumn merchandise online as early as April. Michaels released its Halloween collection earlier than usual when items went on sale in stores back in late June, Axios reports.

They are just a couple of the countless retailers who have been putting out fall decorations this summer. Spirit Halloween, the seasonal pop-up shop with more than 1,450 locations, is also ready to launch. Their flagship store in New Jersey opens August 1, with many of its other locations following suit. (Heading out to shop? Consider planning for one of these cute decorated Halloween door ideas ).

Even Halloween candy is beginning to show up in the aisle of grocery stores around the country, which means those craving everything from pumpkin flavored treats to spooky shaped candies are in luck. Reese’s also had their Reese’s Peanut Butter Pumpkins on sale in July for a limited time .

Why has 'Summerween' become a trend?

When much of the country has been caught in a heat wave this summer, it may be hard to understand why stores are pushing their cool-weather merchandise so soon. But some experts believe this might be part of the appeal!

“Our hypothesis for why Summerween has really exploded in popularity is that the very word gives people permission to celebrate their favorite season earlier,” Valerie Ott, editorial director for JOANN, said in an email to Good Morning America .

But this trend isn’t just limited to the decorations and candy you can buy early at the stores. Others who can’t wait for the autumn holiday have even taken to throwing Summerween parties, featuring anything from watermelon carving contests to orange pool inflatables and toys. (Already thinking about your Halloween party this autumn? Click through for hosting ideas ).

The idea was inspired by a 2012 episode of the Disney Channel show Gravity Falls where town residents celebrate Halloween twice a year. Now, people have found it to be a fun way to show their appreciation for the cool-weather holiday while also trying to keep cool in the heat!

Halloween Movie Night Ideas: Party Pro Shares Festive Sips, Snacks and Flicks

How people feel about Summerween

Like any other trend, people appear to be completely thrilled about finding Halloween merchandise in stores or are less than amused.

In one video, Tiktok user @kaitlynender shows off finds at stores ranging from pumpkin-scented candles and hand soaps to ghost pillows and sparkling pumps. “Summerween shopping is the ultimate serotonin boost” the description reads.

Others have expressed similar excitement about the seasonal shift. TikTok user @thediaryofmarie shares what she came across during a visit to an At Home store. “Code orange, everybody…code orange,” she says in the video below. “So much good stuff here!”

Even Halloween treats have proven to be irresistible to some, particularly the new releases of candy for the 2024 season. “Y’all think it’s too early to be trying Halloween candy? I don’t care,” says @munchwithdes in the video below as she munches on Ghost Toast Kit Kat Candy Bars.

3 Healthy Halloween Treats for Your Furry Friend

Meanwhile, some Twitter users have taken to the platform to voice their complaints about seeing spooky decorations everywhere they go. Some have even questioned why it’s overshadowed the school supply season.

Similarly, other people on Twitter appear to be in no rush to say goodbye to summer, even if it has been hot!

For everyone else anxious to welcome autumn, they certainly have no shortage of shopping options to choose from!

For more trending stories, keep reading!

Swimmers Competed in the Seine at the 2024 Summer Olympics: Inside the Sporting Events and Health Concerns

Celebrity Chef Cat Cora Talks Early Kitchen Influences and Breaking Culinary Barriers (EXCLUSIVE)

What Happened to Coco Gauff? Inside Her Olympic Argument With Tennis Umpire and What She Said