Mad Hatter Costume Hire is all dressed up with nowhere to go thanks to Covid.
By Ricky Lam
The Halloween industry has been given the spooks by Covid.
The American trick or treat craze introduced to New Zealand via commercial promotions more than a quarter of a century ago has been left high and dry in Waipā by the Level 3.
It has come at a cost to retailers who usually see a lift in sales of costumes and confectionary.
And it’s certain that the numbers of youngsters who bag lots of lollies through trick or treating on Sunday night will be vastly reduced.
Every time we have a lockdown, it affects me quite substantially as I can’t hire any costumes out,” Sue Seager, who owns Mad Hatters Costume Hire in Te Awamutu said.
“I do still get people making enquiries, in the hope that they can still attend their party or function at a later date.”
But she supports the steps being taken to stop the spread of the virus
“As hard on businesses as it is, I think extending the lockdown is the only sensible thing to do if we want to try and put a stop to this Delta outbreak. Unfortunately, it is what it is.”
“I think going forward the way we celebrate any celebrations/parties will look different to how we used to celebrate pre-Covid. Hopefully, we will still be able to have gatherings and fun times.”
