Sam’s Caribbean Marketplace Is Proving That Niche Grocers Can Scale Without Selling Out

Market Daily Staff on October 30, 2025

By: Mary Sahagun

In the heart of Long Island, a Caribbean marketplace has quietly flourished for more than 30 years, born not from corporate strategy but from a longing for home. When Andrew and Jean Morris opened Sam’s Caribbean Marketplace in 1993, their vision was simple: create a place where Caribbean people could walk in, see the foods they grew up with, and feel instantly connected.

What began as a small shop in Hempstead has grown into a cultural hub, a store that feeds both body and spirit. From oxtail and rice to hot Jamaican patties, from herbs and spices to the easy laughter of familiar accents, Sam’s offers more than products on a shelf. It offers a bridge back to the islands, a place where the Caribbean community on Long Island can gather, remember, and belong.

That cultural bridge now stretches far beyond the walls of their West Hempstead storefront. Sam’s has evolved into a thriving e-commerce brand serving customers all over the U.S. and back in the Caribbean. Its success points to something bigger happening in retail: niche grocers, once considered small players in a game dominated by chains, are finding their edge online, and thriving because of their specificity, not in spite of it.

More Than Groceries, A Taste of Home

For millions in the Caribbean diaspora, finding the products and ingredients they grew up with can be a challenge, particularly outside of larger metropolitan areas. This is when the charm and authenticity of local businesses can stand apart. They know food is much more than a means to an end. It is a lifeline to heritage, memory, and tradition, and it can be disheartening when that connection is hard to find.

Sam’s Caribbean Marketplace has always understood that. It has never been about offering every product under the sun. It is about offering the right ones: ackee in a can, Matouk’s pepper sauce, Walkerswood jerk seasoning, Red Label wine. These are not trend items or impulse buys. They are common staples in many Caribbean homes, lovingly stocked and sold by people who actually know what they are, how they are used, and why they matter.

That depth of cultural fluency is where niche grocers shine. It is not just about putting items on a shelf; it is about creating a space where people feel seen and remembered.

An Early E-Commerce Innovator

Long before online grocery was the norm, Sam’s was shipping island staples across the country. Their first website launched in 2003, a bold move at the time, and it quickly generated hundreds of thousands in annual revenue. It was not flashy, but it worked. People who could not get bun and cheese in Minnesota or sorrel in Missouri now had a direct line to the Caribbean pantry they grew up with.

Fast forward to today, and Sam’s has upgraded to a sleek, mobile-friendly platform at sams24-7.com. The digital storefront reflects years of learning: how people shop, what they are really looking for, and what keeps them coming back. It is not just the products; it is the commitment behind them. That when you buy from Sam’s, you are buying from someone who understands what you need without needing to explain.

The Value of Staying True to Yourself

In an era when many retailers focus on volume and trends, Sam’s has grown by staying consistent. It is still owned and operated by the same family that started it. Andrew Morris still shows up to work. His wife, Jean, a registered nurse, still lends her expertise. Their daughter Melissa, who started in the store at age 14, still plays a role in the business. Even the name, Sam’s, pays tribute to Jean’s late father, Samuel Bonar. That kind of continuity is rare, and customers feel it.

What is more, Sam’s is among the Caribbean grocery stores in the New York tri-state area that is owned by people of Caribbean descent. That is no small detail. In a space where some ethnic food aisles are managed by non-community members, authenticity is more than just a marketing term; it reflects a lived experience. Sam’s did not enter the Caribbean market from the outside; it grew up inside it.

What Other Retailers Can Learn

Sam’s journey provides insights for today’s business landscape. First, being niche is a focus, not a limitation. Second, culture can be a business advantage when rooted in respect and real knowledge. Third, small businesses can scale while maintaining their values if they do so intentionally.

In a world flooded with choices, customers are looking for something real. They want to know who they are buying from, and why it matters. Sam’s Caribbean Marketplace has built its reputation by answering that need over and over again with every bottle of sorrel, every spicy beef patty, every thoughtfully packed delivery.

It turns out, selling more than spices is exactly what keeps people coming back.

U.S. Halloween Spending Surges Despite Inflation Pressures

Market Daily Staff 2 on October 30, 2025

Consumer Spending Patterns in 2025

Halloween 2025 has shown that Americans continue to prioritize seasonal traditions even as household budgets remain under pressure. According to PwC, 78 percent of U.S. adults planned to celebrate, with spending directed toward costumes, candy, and decorations. This level of participation highlights the cultural importance of Halloween as a shared event that families and communities value.

Consumers are adapting to higher prices by bargain-hunting, but they are not abandoning the holiday altogether. Many households are choosing less expensive costumes or decorations while still ensuring that children and families can participate in trick-or-treating and gatherings. This behavior reflects a willingness to adjust rather than withdraw, signaling resilience in discretionary spending.

The spending patterns also suggest that Halloween functions as a smaller version of the winter holiday season. Even when economic conditions are uncertain, people continue to allocate funds for traditions that bring enjoyment and connection. This makes Halloween a useful indicator of how consumers balance financial caution with the desire for celebration.

Retail Sales and Business Impact

Retailers have reported steady sales across multiple categories tied to Halloween. Candy and confectionery companies benefit from the holiday as it remains their largest sales period of the year. Costume retailers and party supply stores also see a seasonal lift, with online platforms capturing last-minute purchases. These trends provide a temporary but meaningful boost to quarterly revenues.

Photo Credit: Unsplash.com

Discount retailers and supermarkets have played a central role in meeting consumer demand. Shoppers are seeking value, and businesses that offer affordable seasonal goods have seen strong traffic. This shift demonstrates how inflation influences not only the amount spent but also where consumers choose to shop.

For larger retailers, Halloween promotions serve as a bridge into the winter holiday season. By drawing customers into stores and online platforms in October, businesses can build momentum that carries into November and December. This strategy helps stabilize revenue during a period of economic uncertainty.

Inflation and Consumer Behavior

Inflation continues to affect household budgets, but Halloween spending shows that consumers are making selective choices rather than broad cutbacks. Families may reduce spending in some categories, such as dining out, while maintaining or slightly adjusting their Halloween purchases. This selective approach reflects a broader trend of prioritizing experiences and traditions.

The willingness to spend on Halloween also suggests that consumers view seasonal celebrations as essential to quality of life. Even when faced with higher prices, they find ways to participate, whether through smaller gatherings, homemade costumes, or budget-friendly decorations. This adaptability helps explain why spending has remained steady.

For policymakers and economists, Halloween provides insight into consumer sentiment. The fact that households continue to allocate funds to discretionary seasonal goods indicates that confidence, while cautious, has not collapsed. This resilience may carry implications for broader retail performance in the final quarter of the year.

Broader Economic Signals

Halloween spending offers a snapshot of how U.S. households are responding to inflation and economic fatigue. While consumers are cautious, they are not retreating entirely from discretionary purchases. This balance between restraint and participation reflects a pragmatic approach to managing household finances.

Retailers and analysts often view Halloween as a test case for the holiday season. Strong participation suggests that consumers will continue to spend on upcoming celebrations, though with an emphasis on value and affordability. This outlook provides reassurance to businesses preparing for the critical end-of-year period.

The 2025 Halloween season demonstrates that cultural traditions can sustain consumer demand even under economic pressure. By adapting their spending habits, households are keeping celebrations alive while managing financial realities. This combination of resilience and caution defines the current consumer environment.

Hospitality Sector Sees Seasonal Demand From Halloween Events

Market Daily Staff 2 on October 30, 2025

Seasonal Demand and Consumer Behavior

Halloween has become a reliable driver of revenue for the hospitality and entertainment sectors. Bars, restaurants, and venues across the United States reported higher foot traffic during Halloween weekend, with themed events drawing both locals and tourists. The holiday has grown into a seasonal anchor for businesses that rely on discretionary spending.

Consumers are increasingly treating Halloween as more than a single night of activity. Many cities now host multi-day events, including parades, concerts, and themed dining experiences. This extended period of celebration provides businesses with opportunities to capture spending across several days rather than just one evening.

The willingness of households to allocate funds for Halloween activities, even under inflationary pressure, highlights the cultural importance of the holiday. Families and young adults alike continue to prioritize participation, making it a dependable source of seasonal demand for service providers.

Impact on Bars, Restaurants, and Nightlife

Bars and restaurants have reported strong revenues tied to Halloween promotions. Themed menus, costume contests, and live entertainment have proven effective in attracting customers. For many establishments, Halloween weekend now rivals New Year’s Eve or Valentine’s Day in terms of sales.

Urban nightlife hubs such as New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago benefit significantly from Halloween tourism. Visitors travel to these cities for large-scale events, contributing to hotel occupancy and restaurant bookings. This influx of activity supports not only hospitality businesses but also transportation and retail sectors.

Smaller cities and college towns also see a boost, as local venues host themed nights that appeal to younger demographics. These events provide a sense of community while generating revenue for local businesses. The combination of national and regional participation underscores Halloween’s broad economic footprint.

Entertainment Venues and Tourism Hubs

Entertainment venues, including theaters, amusement parks, and concert halls, have increasingly incorporated Halloween programming into their schedules. Haunted houses, themed shows, and seasonal attractions draw large crowds, often selling out weeks in advance. These events extend the reach of Halloween beyond nightlife into family-friendly entertainment.

Tourism hubs have capitalized on the holiday by marketing Halloween as part of their seasonal offerings. Cities with historic districts or cultural landmarks often host ghost tours and themed festivals, attracting visitors who seek both entertainment and cultural experiences. This strategy has proven effective in diversifying tourism revenue streams.

The integration of Halloween into broader tourism campaigns demonstrates how seasonal events can support long-term economic growth. By aligning with cultural traditions, cities and businesses create recurring opportunities that strengthen their position in the hospitality and entertainment markets.

Broader Economic Significance

The success of Halloween for the hospitality and entertainment sectors reflects the resilience of consumer spending on cultural traditions. Even when households face higher costs, they continue to participate in seasonal events that provide enjoyment and social connection. This behavior supports service-sector stability during the final quarter of the year.

Analysts note that Halloween has become a leading indicator for holiday season performance. Strong participation in October often signals continued spending in November and December. For businesses, this provides reassurance that consumer demand remains steady despite economic challenges.

As highlighted in Halloween Spending 2025: U.S. Consumers Keep Traditions Alive, seasonal events like Halloween are increasingly viewed as essential to retail and service-sector planning. The holiday’s ability to generate consistent revenue underscores its role as both a cultural and economic fixture.