Retail Beat

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Minnesotans Expected to Spend $230 Million on Halloween as National Spending Hits Record High

Halloween is big business for retailers, with Minnesota Retailers estimating that consumers across the state will spend $230 million on costumes, candy, decorations and other Halloween-related purchases this year.

The Minnesota estimate, calculated by Minnesota Retailers based on the state's share of the U.S. population, follows a new forecast from the National Retail Federation (NRF) projecting record national Halloween spending of $13.5 billion in 2026, up from $13.1 billion last year.

Based on national spending patterns, Minnesota consumers are projected to spend approximately $75 million on costumes, $73 million on decorations, $70 million on candy and $14 million on greeting cards.

For retailers, Halloween represents an important seasonal sales opportunity, extending well beyond traditional costume and candy purchases. Convenience stores, grocers, general merchandise stores, specialty retailers, home improvement outlets and local businesses all benefit as consumers prepare for trick-or-treating, parties and fall celebrations.

The holiday also provides an early boost to the fourth-quarter retail calendar, as businesses transition from back-to-school shopping into Halloween and the all-important holiday shopping season.

Minnesota Retailers' $230 million estimate is based on applying Minnesota's approximately 1.7% share of the national population to NRF's projected spending. Actual spending in Minnesota may vary based on local consumer preferences and purchasing patterns.

Learn more from the National Retail Federation.

Last Call for Retail Rally Tickets for this Wednesday

Retailers and key business partners are invited to come together for Retail Rally 2026 on Wednesday, October 14, from 2:00–4:00 p.m. at Brookview in Golden Valley. This year’s event will celebrate 10 years of Retail Rally while recognizing the people and businesses named Minnesota’s Retail Champions.

Our featured speaker is Seth Ketron, Ph.D., associate professor of marketing at the University of St. Thomas Opus College of Business. Ketron will share insights into artificial intelligence, changing consumer behavior and how new technology is reshaping the customer journey.

Join fellow retail leaders and community partners for an afternoon of timely ideas, valuable connections and a celebration of the people moving Minnesota retail forward.

Learn more here.

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Learn more.

New Experiences Are Attracting Shoppers to an Evolving Apache Mall

From the Rochester Bulletin, Jeff Kiger, October 10, 2026

After weathering years of shoppers shifting online and the demise of many department stores, things are booming at the 57-year-old Apache Mall. Now, it is evolving into more of a gathering place offering experiences, including a trampoline park and an indoor playground, as well as products.

“2026 has been one of the best years Apache has seen in quite some time,” said Britton Burridge, vice president of leasing for Apache Mall owner GGP. “We want to create a compelling reason for people to come, shop, hang out and have a great afternoon. ... We definitely are thinking about the mix of what we're bringing here. I think the combination of great shopping, great dining, family entertainment and these experiences seems to be the secret sauce.”

Apache Mall, which opened in October 1969, has seen successful decades and dark days as shoppers' tastes have changed. It weathered the “retailpocalypse” as department stores including Sears closed in response to the rise in e-commerce as well as the pandemic. Now things are on the upswing as Gen Z and Gen Alpha discover malls as they look for “Third Spaces” in their communities to connect with others.

In 2026, Apache Mall signed leases with nine new tenants for 86,000 square feet. Several of those new tenants offer something different than the traditional retail stores.

Burridge estimated that about 25% of Apache Mall’s tenants are now experience-based, such as Pixeljoy Claw Arcade and Orangetheory Fitness. That’s compared to well under 5% of tenants in 2014.

As president of the Minnesota Retailers Association, Bruce Nustad knows a lot about Minnesota malls. However, as someone who grew up in Winona and drove to Rochester as a teen in the 1980s, he is very familiar with Apache Mall and is excited to see it booming again.

“There is kind of no doubt in my mind that malls and their role have evolved over the past 10 years. Traditional malls were primarily just places to buy things. Successful malls today are becoming multi-purpose destinations. People want to shop and eat, but they also want to play and spend time together,” said Nustad. “Malls that have embraced that by making the investments and taking the risks on that model, including the Apache Mall, are seeing it pay off.”

He added that the first enclosed shopping mall in the U.S., Southdale Shopping Center, opened in Minnesota in 1952. Of course, Minnesota is also the home of the Mall of America.

"I do think we'll continue to have a strong presence of malls here in Minnesota. Part of that is weather-driven, but the other part is that malls like Apache are evolving. I think the consumer has responded pretty positively to that and I think that's going to continue for the foreseeable future," said Nustad.

Read more from the Rochester Bulletin.

Governor Candidates Outline Plans to Strengthen Minnesota’s Business Climate

Minnesota’s major-party candidates for governor put business growth, taxes and workforce needs at the center of their October 5 appearances before the Economic Club of Minnesota. U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar and Minnesota House Speaker Lisa Demuth appeared separately, outlining how they would strengthen the state’s economy and make Minnesota more attractive to employers and workers.

Klobuchar emphasized speeding up business permitting, consolidating state review processes and conducting a top-to-bottom audit of state government to address fraud and duplication. She also proposed expanding apprenticeships and working with the private sector to increase housing availability. On taxes, Klobuchar said she does not support raising them and would seek reductions where possible.

Demuth focused on lowering taxes, improving permitting and reducing mandates that increase the cost of doing business. She raised concerns about Minnesota’s Paid Leave and earned sick and safe time requirements, arguing that businesses should have more flexibility in designing recruitment and retention benefits. She also emphasized education, public safety and affordability as foundations for economic growth.

For retailers, the discussion previewed issues likely to shape the next legislative session and state budget. While the candidates offered different approaches, both stressed the need to strengthen Minnesota’s business climate and workforce, priorities that directly affect retailers’ ability to invest, hire and serve their communities.

Read the full Twin Cities Business story.

Join Minnesota Retailers for The Bravery Effect: A Business Leaders Breakfast Forum

Minnesota Retailers is pleased to partner with the Business Leaders Breakfast Forum for an upcoming leadership program, The Bravery Effect: How Brave Leaders Create Energy, Focus, and Action Through Constant Change, on Thursday, October 29, from 8:30–11:30 a.m. at the Hopkins Center for the Arts. As a program partner, we're inviting our members and friends to join us at a special discounted rate of just $30 per person.

Today's business leaders face no shortage of challenges, from economic pressures and workforce demands to AI disruption and constant change. How can leaders keep their teams energized, focused and moving forward without burning out?

Featured speaker Jill Schulman, bestselling author of The Bravery Effect and a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, will share the science of bravery and practical strategies for leading through uncertainty. Drawing on more than 25 years of experience and research in positive psychology, Schulman will explore how leaders can build clarity, confidence, connection and courage in themselves and their teams.

Attendees will leave with practical tools for navigating difficult decisions, strengthening team performance and taking action even when the path forward isn't clear. Participants will also receive access to exclusive resources, including a digital copy of The Bravery Effect and a discussion guide.

Event Details

Thursday, October 29, 2026

8:30–11:30 a.m.

Hopkins Center for the Arts

1111 Mainstreet, Hopkins, MN

Special Minnesota Retailers Registration Offer

Through our partnership with the Business Leaders Breakfast Forum, Minnesota Retailers members and guests can attend for just $30 per ticket.Visit www.breakfastleaders.com to register and enter VIP Code 1029MNRA to receive the discounted rate.

We hope you'll join us for a morning of fresh perspectives, practical leadership insights and connections with fellow business leaders!

ICYMI: Common Cents Act Heads to President’s Desk

Minnesota Retailers supports the Common Cents Act, which Congress passed earlier this week to establish clear, national rules for rounding cash transactions following the end of penny production.

The legislation would give retailers and consumers a consistent approach to cash payments, helping businesses avoid a patchwork of conflicting requirements. Minnesota Retailers supports clear, practical rules that employees can apply consistently and customers can easily understand.

The National Retail Federation and partners worked closely with the bill’s sponsors to ensure the final legislation is workable for businesses and addresses potential conflicts with cash payment laws.

The bill is expected to be sent to President Trump for his signature soon. Minnesota Retailers will keep members informed as the legislation moves forward and implementation details become available.

Minnesota Lawmakers Call for Diesel Tax Relief as Delivery Costs Climb

Minnesota House Republicans are asking Gov. Tim Walz to provide temporary diesel fuel tax relief for truckers, farmers, loggers and other businesses facing higher fuel costs. In an October 8 letter, lawmakers urged the governor to allow red-dyed diesel fuel to be used on Minnesota highways without penalties, pointing to similar action in North Dakota.

An October 9 update from Rep. Scott Van Binsbergen, R-Montevideo, describes the request as a way to provide relief from Minnesota’s 32.6-cent-per-gallon diesel tax. He emphasized that higher diesel costs affect more than transportation businesses, increasing the expense of hauling food and delivering products—costs that can ultimately reach consumers. The request does not represent an approved change in Minnesota’s fuel tax rules.

For retailers, the proposal highlights the connection between fuel costs, supply chains and affordability. From merchandise deliveries to distribution operations, diesel prices influence the cost of getting products onto store shelves. The discussion could also carry into the 2027 legislative session, with Van Binsbergen calling for an end to automatic state gas tax increases.

Read the legislative update on the diesel tax relief request.

Minnesota Cities Step Into Cannabis Retail with Municipal Stores

As Minnesota’s cannabis market develops, some cities are taking a direct role in retail sales. An October 6 report from MJBizDaily examines the municipal cannabis store model, which draws on Minnesota’s long history of city-owned liquor stores.

Anoka Cannabis Co., which opened February 5, is Minnesota’s first city-run cannabis retail store. Located beside the city’s municipal liquor store, it operates on city-owned land, employs city staff and is governed by the City Council. Other Minnesota cities are also pursuing cannabis retail licenses.

For retailers and policymakers, the model raises questions about local revenue, public ownership and competition with private businesses. As more stores open, Minnesota’s experience will offer a closer look at how municipal retailers fit into an emerging market and how their operations compare with privately owned stores.

Read the MJBizDaily story on government-run cannabis retail.

Red, White & Brew Connects with Hundreds at Twin Cities Oktoberfest

Minnesota Retailers and the Red, White & Brew coalition enjoyed a great weekend at Twin Cities Oktoberfest, connecting with hundreds of Minnesotans who are calling for changes to the state's outdated alcohol laws.

Minnesota remains the last state in the nation to license 3.2 beer, a Prohibition-era holdover that limits opportunities for local breweries and consumer choice. Once again, we saw strong support for allowing grocery stores, convenience stores and resort retailers to sell full-strength beer in locations where 3.2 beer is sold today.

The message from festivalgoers was clear: More Minnesota beer. More choice. More opportunity.

A big thank-you to the Twin Cities Oktoberfest organizers for a fantastic event and the opportunity to share the Red, White & Brew message with so many Minnesotans!

Learn more at www.RedWhiteBrewMN.com.

Upcoming Webinar: What Retailers Need to Know About Minnesota's Packaging EPR Program

Minnesota's new Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) packaging program is moving forward, and retailers have important responsibilities to understand as implementation continues.

Join Minnesota Retailers and Circular Action Alliance (CAA) on Friday, November 6, at 11:00 a.m. for a free webinar focused on what the law means for retail businesses, key implementation dates, and steps retailers should be taking to prepare.

Kris Coperine, Minnesota program manager for Circular Action Alliance, will provide a timely program update and practical guidance for retailers. CAA serves as Minnesota's producer responsibility organization and is helping implement the state's new packaging requirements.

The webinar will also include time for questions and answers, giving participants an opportunity to better understand how the program applies to their businesses.

Webinar Details

• Date: Friday, November 6, 2026
• Time: 11:00 a.m. Central
• Location: Zoom
• Cost: Free; members and non-members welcome

Register online at www.mnretail.org/packaging to reserve your spot.