Spooky Archaeology: Spirit Halloween | Retail Archaeology

[@beardedman469]

The soul sucking one is supposed to have fake smoke attached to it. Makes the effect much better as you see the green smoked being sucked in to the demon.

[@zata1197]

Came down here to say the same, it’s actually a pretty neat effect when it works

[@ColeWalker]

You can actually buy the displays after Halloween if you put your name down for it. The animatronic from 2:10 is from the 2007 movie “Trick ‘r Treat”.

[@LangstonDev]

I remember liking that movie...

[@KatieGrady1997]

We bought a huge Avengers sign maybe 7 years ago. I can’t remember what they asked for when we inquired about it. They ended up just taking a few dollars, since that’s all the cash I had on me at the time.

[@Ricardo_Lucero]

That pumpkin guys name is Sam too

[@dindog22]

the reason you're not scared by scare crows is because you are in fact, not a crow

[@donutman.24]

Last time I was at a Spirit Halloween it was in an old mall anchor building. I actually found a kitten outside the building(which we kept).

[@thelogicaldanger]

Was it a black cat?

[@OtterloopB]

Empty Building: exists Spirit Halloween: - licks lips -

[@MBMM38]

I'd like to see Spirit Halloween try to fill up the empty old Fry's Electronics building here in my city. Just drove past it today and was wondering what's going on in there. They did fence off the entire perimeter though.

[@MissMTurner]

6:16 "giant orange turd" for the win 😆😆

[@razvandobos9759]

Really love their Victorian Gothic section. Of course, as a Goth, this is just Walmart

[@MAGA_Patriot2024]

Yeah, I'm digging the seppuku zombie too! Oh, and the term "appliance" is used in the special fx industry to denote anything that is applied to the body to alter your appearance. However, it does not include masks..it's a little convoluted to explain why, but I will if anyone's interested.

[@MAGA_Patriot2024]

@@SuperRat420 that's actually a very concise way of putting it...bravo! 👍👍

[@RoachOverlord]

Beetlejuice seems to be making a comeback. Universal Studios even has a Beetlejuice-themed haunted house this year.

[@TheHrb1234]

Whats the betting, remake incoming...

[@ianbatplushie65]

A lot of the songs from the musical went viral on tiktok a couple years back which got the Youths interested so i think thats why

[@LangstonDev]

@@ianbatplushie65 not to mention the recurring "nice *bleeping* model! *honk honk*" meme

[@DerkuiDerkui]

In my town, they have Christmas stuff already out. They had Christmas stuff already out since mid-September.

[@TheReverendStrange]

Hobby Lobby put their Christmas stuff out in July. Several rows of it.

[@Nickotron]

3:50 That animatronic is usually supposed to have a fog machine attached to it so that when the green light goes on fog comes out of the little girl’s mouth as if her soul was being sucked out

[@TheReverendStrange]

Most of the Spirit stores, at least in Arizona, were open by the end of August. There were only a few locations that didn't open until about mid-September.

[@kittikoko]

God, I wish we had Spirit Halloween here in England. I'd decorate my house year-round with tacky Halloween stuff. 😆

[@kimberlymiller9825]

Spencer’s used to have a an elaborate Halloween section it was a big deal in the mall I remember the workers being dressed up. Not sure if they still do that id assume not. But it makes sense they own spirit Kimberly

[@mathewmclean9128]

I also go to Spirit Halloween stores just to see remnants of the former stores that used to be there. Especially the locations that are former Kmart or Toys r Us stores.

[@njdotson]

I remember last year one was in an old sears and I went behind the curtains and could see the whole place. It had two floors so going down to the first floor was cool because it was dark and empty except for some desks used at sears

[@gordontaylor2815]

I'm pretty sure that's going to be the new frontier of this type of retail exploring video - people going to Spirit stores (and other seasonal popups) and try to catch glimpses of what they replaced.

[@majingothbuuts]

Funny you mentioned the music. I’ve worked at Spirit for 9 years and the music has never been this bad. I used to hear mostly campy Halloween music that fit the vibe, but this year it’s mostly top 40. Stuff you’d hear in forever21, not a Halloween store.

[@Starpotion]

Those displays made out of cardboard and screens are kind of insane, quite a bit of pragmatic engineering for something purely decorative

[@MrsMagoo6277]

The figure with the burlap sack and the lollipop is Sam from Trick R Treat

[@darktetsuya]

those stores always have the coolest stuff! I think one of our neighbors here in our complex had to have gone to one of these for all their stuff their place is always decked out for this time of year! also maybe 'appliances' means like, 'applying' makeup? never heard it referred in that way either so that's the only thing that makes sense to me.

[@RiderLeangle2]

"I don't find scarecrows scary really" Well are you a crow? Seems self explanatory what the problem is there. Also as a Pagan who loves stupid puns, "Wiccapedia" is an amazing title for that book, don't know what's in there if there'd be any actual info or anything but what a great title

[@chellastation]

I hope Spirit continues to stick around, and go crazy with their Halloween decorations. Go Big 💀🕷🕸

[@Nyarlathothep]

At 2:20 that's Sam, from Trick R Treat. Arguably the best Halloween movie in more recent years. I can't believe some people don't recognize him.

[@kippaseo8027]

I'm thinking that this Halloween is going to be when it's to be one of the biggest in a long time period a lot of people making up for last year

[@rolledtacoswithguac4233]

Orange Turd, AWESOME!!!!!!

[@GregNorton]

First week of September for Spirit stores is pretty typical around where I live.

[@andysorensen1737]

Yeah, I saw one in suburban Minneapolis open the week of Labor Day. Not that I’m complaining.

[@GregNorton]

When we lived in Tampa, the only year I remember Spirit not opening in September was the year of the longshoremen strike in LA in ... 97?

[@Randoplants]

Last year they did a corridor with undersea themed videos. It was awesome! My local one didn’t have a set-up like that this year, alas

[@Crackrzz]

Giant orange turd. Snerk And yeah, I have one of their first edition proton packs. The new ones are much better, especially the straps to hold it on you. Hanging the wand on the side is still the same, just a hole. It comes off very easily. I don't shop there as much anymore, our Value Village (Savers) has a lot of new and used Halloween stuff.

[@gordontaylor2815]

I'd like to see how those costume proton packs compare to the actual props the actors used in the movies. Has anyone ever explained how the actual props were done?

[@Crackrzz]

@@gordontaylor2815 Yeah there are tutorials here on KZbin. These packs are, of course, lighter and slightly less detailed than ones enthusiasts make, but they pass for decent when just wearing a costume.

[@TheoMcAllister]

I wish we had something like Spirit Halloween, all we have are very small sections at those 1€ Stores with cheap plastic and rarely something cool.

[@davinp]

Some Spirit Halloween opened by mid-August. Mine in Virginia did and is located inside a former Babies R Us. This is the third year at this location

[@HamburgerAmy]

2:09 its from trick 'r treat (2007) his name is Sam. ♥

[@polishedtwilight]

I worked at Spirit the last two years and that demon guy who’s supposed to be sucking the soul out of the girl is supposed to emit fog smoke to make it look more like he’s actually doing something lol. But we could never get ours set up properly so ours didn’t do it either!

[@Puretea4711]

do they still pay less than 8$ per hour?

[@polishedtwilight]

@@Puretea4711 both times i worked i was paid $9!

[@irtbmtind89]

They might be open particularly early this year because retailers are bringing in seasonal stuff early since supply chains are so messed up.

[@TheReverendStrange]

Spirit has been opening by mid-September for several years now. The past couple, some of the stores were open by the end of August.

[@LangstonDev]

I'd be willing to bet there is a fair amount of holdover inventory from last year with the lockdowns in effect then. No reason not to push it out now, especially if you know it's likely all you're going to have because you can't get containers from overseas...

[@jtlovescodelyoko]

Abandoned Retail Store Spirit Halloween: It's Free Real Estate

[@romzombie]

Little guy is from "Trick R Treat", a horror anthology

[@danderson8431]

2:11….that’s Sam from “Trick R’ Treat”. He’s the spirit of Halloween. He kills you if you don’t follow the “Rules of Halloween”.

[@chrisoniceskates]

the character at 2:17 is Sam from Trick 'R Treat if you're still wondering. Pretty sure Halloween Horror Nights had a maze based on his movie a few years ago.

[@cuddlesthetiger-mallsnmore]

I always make it a point to go to Spirit Halloween at least once in the year. Autumn is such a comforting time of year for me

[@JohnKelly2]

The Soul Sucker is supposed to have fog coming out of girl's mouth and into the reaper's mouth. I'm guessing they didn't refill it that day

[@gordontaylor2815]

Or it's broken. (See the comment by Jamie McCullough)

[@Franniiv3]

Awesome vid! Already making my costume this year! 6:36 totes thought this young lady forgot to wear pants!

[@davinp]

The fog/smoke is supposed to come out after he says suck your soul, but it doesn't work at several stores.

[@lmao2703]

The witch section reminds me of the stuff you see at five below which makes me think that it IS made to be taken seriously and sold there because mom is gonna come in with their kids and the teenage/early 20's kid that's into stuff like this is gonna either buy it or get mom to buy it for them. That's actually how I got my first tarot deck. I actually kinda collect them now.

[@jamiemccullough1970]

Spirit employee here -- the scarecrow isn't properly assembled and is supposed to have his arms in another position. The soul-sucker is notorious for the fog machine breaking during assembly or repacking. Our In-Store Experience (the walkthroughs) are pretty much cardboard origami. And yes, we do have some of the same merch as Spencers. Some of the signage is in absolutely the wrong place, but that happens sometimes with how quickly some districts are expected to set up. And yes, we do get pearl-clutching Bible-thumping Karens. And we sometimes even kick them out.

[@redwillow79schippers94]

That little guy you were wondering about is from a movie called Trick r Treat. It's a neat horror movie that you should check out

[@davinp]

This year COVID-19 has caused shipping problems meaning some places are short on items

[@Melissa2087]

I love that werewolf in the beginning. $299 for it is a steal!

[@treavy1]

You should do retail archeology on bradleess east coast amex Ann&hope department store and also caldore and mammoth mart here in the new england states and zayes department store

[@mst3kanita]

you had me at "potato barn". The best costume was "white clam".

[@Austin.D]

If im in the area of a store I definitely like to go in and look at the latest Animatronic props their was a clown one in there that I really wanted but couldn't afford at the time

[@stargazer3424]

I think the sackcloth child fixtures are from the film Trick ‘r Treat

[@joshuajerrythereviewer]

My local spirit halloween store was open in late July

[@CharonsNightmare]

2:12 That's Sam from Michael Dougherty's "Trick 'r Treat"

[@corkscrewfoley]

"There's a squirrel with a nice set of..." "Nuts! Get your peanuts!"

[@zedeighty]

Wow! A shop that exists only to sell Halloween stuff. I had no idea Halloween was such a big deal in the USA. I mean, I knew it was a bigger holiday than it is here in the UK, but I didn't know it was this much bigger.

[@tadreaming1]

Nice video, thanks for the great content! Really enjoyed the Zia special, my favorite record store!

[@BlueThundah75]

Last year I went all in on ghostbusters. I bought the outfit, proton pack, belt, jacket, a giant inflatable ecto-1. I got all of it at Spirit and online on their website. I want to get a PK meter and a trap this year to fully flesh it out.

[@charliemartin-k7m]

First two in my area opened in early August which I don’t mind.

[@ericcarabetta1161]

6:17 Excellent. 🤣

[@amirmoradi9595]

I think that little big planet one was from that trick or treat horror movie

[@00Mandy00]

Loud pop music blaring in all the stores is very much a problem for me and keeps me at home. I sometimes wonder if they actually do it to limit videos and KZbinrs.

[@charliemartin-k7m]

I noticed that to one in my area was blasting music

[@gordontaylor2815]

Maybe, considering "no photos or video-taping" rules can't be reasonably enforced these days (when everyone has a smartphone in their pocket)...

[@TankHammer]

Pre-plague times the local Spirit Halloweens were opening mid-July. I was way into it. Might be because our city is a major convention hub come September 1st.

[@seoulalone2420]

I LOVE Halloween! We just had a Spirit open up a few miles from me. I can't wait to go in!

[@KingofFeralImps]

The two locations near me that normally set up as Spirit Halloween stores aren’t running this year. There are still two others, each about a 25 minute drive, but it just feels weird not having one in my immediate city cause it became kind of a Halloween tradition.

[@WhittyPics]

I notice Halloween stores tend to pop up in former Sears stores during the season.

[@toospooked4594]

I been going to spirit since 2009 and that years was amazing. Way for scary than what they do now

[@Leahi84]

I've never actually been in one. This video is the first time I've even seen inside one. I feel kinda bad about that, considering Halloween is my favorite holiday.

[@katiemcfarland6135]

My local store had a ton of nightmare before Christmas stuff the first week but I think it mostly sold out already.

[@MrDan708]

This is one business that pops up in dead mall spaces a lot.

[@kittikoko]

The spooky little dude at 12:11 is from Trick 'r Treat. 🎃

[@papa.pilly.]

We bought that jumping spider this year and sit in the kitchen and watch it scare the crap out of people hahaha

[@joewilson3393]

2:09 180.00!?!? No wonder people in my neighborhood are setting up their Halloween decoration way early this year. People always start Christmas like 60 days out, and they started Halloween 30+ days out this year, which was unusual. Gotta get your money's worth.

[@TominoCabana]

In my area I had a spirit halloween in an old party city.

[@jawajuice7009]

To be completely honest I usually only go to spirit Halloween to see costumes and props in person before I decide to buy them for cheaper online.

[@jsnsk101]

Theres a towing company actually called Camel Towing not far from me

[@Locutus]

Costco and other shops, put out their Christmas items in September, because people buy it! If you don't like it, don't buy it!

[@Silvafootfamily525]

The soul sucking animatronic is supposed to have some fog simulating the soul leaving

[@rwdplz1]

Sergeant Short Pants, is that you? It's me, Steve, from High School! You still owe me ten bucks!

[@Overly_nourished_entity]

Ours opened back in August! 😮

[@AmbientWalking]

Thank you! Love this! Looking forward to your next adventure! : )

[@relled]

Good video always very calming for some reason haha :)

[@CommodoreFan64]

I love halloween, but I think some of the prices Spirit Halloween stores want are crazy, plus I try to keep as much of my halloween decorations from year to year as I can as not to have to spend that much money on it except my costume, and the candy I'm handing out to the kids of my small town.

[@Moonbeam143]

I just look around when I go into one. I enjoy the Halloween season, but I'm not hardcore about it.

[@matthewfurbyabandonawesome9805]

Can you make a documentary video of you talking about the KMART in Mesa Arizona at Superstition Springs they have an ounce at this location maybe demolition if you’re not

[@72polara]

The old Pier One in my town opened up as a Spirit Halloween. Is this common in other other areas? I have not visited due to Rona the witch, who is raging here.

[@kathurtado13]

I take the kids to look at the stuff and yes I've been suckered into buying halloween costumes from there too!! 🤪

[@RandomGuyComments]

Mostly browse but occasionally pick something up. I thought they just popped up in my Canadian city. Didn't realize it was that old and that popular. lol, free zoo and free haunted house comment.

[@collinschoenfelder677]

Spirit Halloween is an awesome store some locations are way better than other locations but 👍

[@HamburgerAmy]

these are just regular house decor when you're goth as f**k

[@razvandobos9759]

So true!

[@amerigocosta7452]

As somebody who doesn't have a real understanding of Halloween (being in a country where this holyday wasn't even well known until a few years ago), I find puzzling what non horror costumes like the ones from 8:14 to 8:49 have to do with it.

[@gordontaylor2815]

People just like to dress up in whatever tickles their fancy at Halloween. Silliness for the sake of it. ;)

[@agenericaccount3935]

Spirit of Halloween is the empty retail space reanimator. They are kind of like fireweed.

[@jvargas6034]

My 22-Year-Old Son Is Going To Be A Male Witch For Halloween And We Already Have The Hat And Cape

[@nebonrud]

Do Halloween City next!

[@1_Fish.2_Fish.Red_Fish.]

I just go to Spirit Halloween to be like oh ya that use to be there.

[@ericfresh]

Sackboy is Sam from Trick R Treat

[@christopherhindle8371]

Supply chain issues, reduced inventory, & expecting less Halloween parties means less costume sales.

[@andysorensen1737]

Yeah, those hats DEFINITELY go between Spirit and Spencer’s stores.

[@popmusic244]

Spencer's owns Spirit Halloween

[@jasonleman1396]

I can only imagine the feeling of taking down all this stuff on November 1st. not as much fun as putting it up

[@MrPeteykins]

Ahhhh, this is the kind of thing that never exists in Washington, DC. There are three Spirits in the area, but of course they are way out in the suburbs.

[@UndeadEggmiester]

Maybe it's because of the pandemic but there isn't as many open this year even one that was opening for the past 11 years didn't open this year. I loved two or three years ago they had a ball of the monitors that were in a big Aquarium ad they had some like a great white down into it looking like the glass was breaking.

[@Sarah_270]

You call Wiccan stuff "crap" but it has more relevance to original Halloween (Samhain) than the animatronics of people being murdered.

[@metalheadbob]

Thanks