Spirit Halloween: Unleashing the Power of Pop-Up Stores

Spirit Halloween stores flood local shopping centers, though don’t expect to see them after Oct. 31 as these stores only “pop-up” for a few months a year. (Courtesy of Spirit Halloween)

Lucas Almeida '24 and Jack LaMadeleine '24 • October 27, 2023 • 110 Views

SOUTHBURY — Now’s the season for Spirit Halloween — a franchise of “pop-up stores” that exist, but only for a short period.

One of Spirit Halloween’s stores is most likely around the corner from you, ready to transform your ordinary day into a spine-tingling adventure. As autumn leaves begin to fall and the nights grow longer, the unmistakable orange and black glow of Spirit Halloween stores materializes in towns across the country, ushering in the most thrilling time of the year. It’s a haven for all things Halloween.

A picture of the spirit Halloween store from the inside this is the Southbury location. (Lucas Almeida)

These stores are only around for 60-90 days of the year, and usually open late August through Halloween . With over 1,500 stores in the U.S during October, there is sure to be a store within 15 miles of you. Nonnewaug’s High School local Spirit Halloween is the Southbury location. Only 7 miles from the school, makes Spirit Halloween convenient and close for people of Woodbury to try on and buy all of their Halloween needs.

What is the Spirit Halloween experience like? Walking into Halloween Spirit is not like walking into your typical retail store. Right when you walk in they have their big animatronics standing in front to give you a scare. Walking around you see all the costumes, art work, anything Halloween or horror related.

Why is spirit Halloween a good option?

“You can get Halloween costumes at discounted prices,” said Thomas Harris NHS Junior.

Spirit Halloween offers competitive pricing and much much more variety and selection of costumes, props and Halloween decorations. Competing with other online and retail stores. Spirit Halloween Putting competitors like Walmart and Target down.

One of Spirit Halloween’s competitors is Halloween City. A separate pop up store version of Party City focused on Halloween. Since anyone can use the idea Joseph Manver came up with in 1983 for Spirit Halloween. But Spirit Halloween has been the only successful business to use temporary leases during the Halloween season. With over 20 stores in CT and Halloween City with only 2 locations. It’s obvious that Spirit Halloween dominates its market.

“Overall I think it’s a great place to go for cheap Halloween costumes, ”said Matt Shupenis, NHS junior.

About the Contributors

Lucas Almeida '24, Reporter

Lucas Almeida is a senior at Nonnewaug from Woodbury and a first-year reporter for the Chief Advocate. If he isn't working, he is probably watching football or cleaning a car. He joined journalism to switch up from normal English classes for his last year of high school. He is also a member of DECA and FBLA.

Jack LaMadeleine '24, Reporter

Jack LaMadeleine is a senior at Nonnewaug and a first-year reporter for the NHS Chief Advocate. He lives in Woodbury. He enjoys cooking a variety of dishes and doesn't leave a crumb. His other hobbies consist of coding and playing the guitar. Jack is excited to write about pop culture and more controversial topics.