Take a look inside the massive, 1,000-store chain that only operates in the run-up to Halloween
Spirit Halloween, a pop-up retailer that sells Halloween costumes and accessories, opens up in vacant storefronts in late August each year. The retailer has a real-estate team that scouts out locations year-round.
Because the stores are temporary, they tend to be pretty no-frills. The stores typically close by November 2, and unsold inventory is put away until the following year.
There was a lot of empty space at the front of the store.
And in this particular Spirit Halloween location, there was an empty upper level that surrounded the floor.
The wallpaper stopped less than halfway up the wall.
The store definitely felt like it would be closing soon, based on how little was actually there besides the merchandise itself.
The store sells all sorts of costumes. At the front were more generic costumes like clowns, witches, and general Halloween-themed apparel. Springer told Business Insider that many costumes carry over year to year if they are not sold.
It also had a ton of costumes of characters from popular shows and movies, like "Stranger Things" ...
... "Suicide Squad" ...
... "Bob's Burgers," and "Space Jam."
Costumes cost anywhere from $20 to upwards of $50. Though Spirit Halloween doesn't disclose its sales information, Halloween spending is expected to reach $9 billion in the US this year, according to the NRF.
Source: National Retail Federation
"Coming Soon" signs were hanging near any empty space in the store, advertising that more costumes were on the way.
Smaller costume accessories were hanging throughout the store ...
... as were masks and plastic weapons ...
... and a ton of makeup, wigs, and hair dye products.
Spirit Halloween told Business Insider that it has become more challenging to find locations as more retailers open stores instead of close them. Though the store was fully stocked with everything you might need for Halloween, it was definitely clear that it would be closing soon.
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