For as long as I can remember, Halloween has never been a mere holiday on the calendar—it has been an integral part of my identity and lifestyle, a source of creative expression and year-round fascination. This devotion, while endlessly entertaining for me, has sometimes been met with mild exasperation from my husband and family, who have grown accustomed to seeing cobwebs, skulls, and faux gravestones emerge from storage long before October even begins. My enthusiasm only deepened during the three years I spent working for Spirit Halloween, the famed seasonal retailer that appears in vacant storefronts across the country like a spectral pop-up each autumn. Long before joining the company, however, I had been a loyal patron, frequently joking that the store seemed tailor-made for someone like me—a person who treats every October as an artistic mission. Over the years, from behind the counter and amid the ever-changing aisles of costumes and decorations, I observed a number of recurring missteps made by customers. Below are nine of the most common errors shoppers make when exploring Spirit Halloween’s enormous selection of costumes, décor, and special effects.
**1. Prioritizing low prices over lasting quality**
Many shoppers, driven by the thrill of a bargain, instinctively gravitate toward the most affordable costumes on display. While choosing inexpensive options can be perfectly acceptable for a one-off event, I learned that there is value—both aesthetic and practical—in spending a bit more for higher-quality pieces. Spirit Halloween’s Signature Collection, for instance, features costumes crafted from noticeably sturdier fabrics and with meticulous attention to detail. These designs not only look more authentic but are built to endure multiple seasons of Halloween festivities or even be reused for cosplay conventions. As someone who cares deeply about creating a cohesive and convincing look, I consider investing in durable accessories equally crucial. For example, if you plan to channel the elegance of a vampire, quality fangs can complete your transformation. Cheap alternatives may crack or detach before the evening is over, undermining your ensemble. Personally, I swear by Scarecrow-brand fangs, which are available in different sizes to ensure a natural and comfortable fit worthy of even the most dramatic costume.
**2. Purchasing makeup kits without necessary application and removal products**
Spirit Halloween carries an impressive range of cosmetics designed for the spooky season, from face paints to prosthetic adhesives. However, it’s important to recognize that not all Halloween makeup is formulated with high-end ingredients. Even the most visually striking pigments can irritate the skin if used improperly. To achieve professional results while protecting your complexion, I strongly recommend investing in essential supporting products such as a reliable primer, quality setting powder, and a long-lasting setting spray. These not only enhance the appearance of the makeup but also help preserve it throughout a long night of festivities. For those venturing into more ambitious looks involving prosthetics, always pick up Spirit Gum adhesive and its corresponding remover. Without these, peeling off prosthetics can be painful and potentially damaging to the skin—a mistake you won’t want to discover the morning after when logging into a work Zoom meeting still partially painted red like a comic book demon.
**3. Neglecting to check for potential irritants or allergies**
Even experienced Halloween enthusiasts sometimes skip this vital step. Before applying any cosmetic or adhesive to your face, perform a simple patch test: dab a small amount on the inside of your wrist and wait roughly twenty minutes. This precaution ensures that your skin tolerates the product without inflammation or itching. It’s equally wise to scrutinize packaging labels before purchase, keeping an eye out for fragrances, dyes, or preservatives that might provoke allergic reactions. A few minutes of careful testing can prevent hours—or even days—of discomfort later on.
**4. Overlooking hidden treasures by not exploring the entire store**
Spirit Halloween’s layout can feel labyrinthine, but that’s part of its charm. Many of the most delightful accessories—those small but transformative details like chokers, jewelry, gloves, and novelty trinkets—are scattered throughout the shop rather than confined to one section. A practiced eye and open mind often reward the curious shopper. In fact, one of the best-kept secrets of the store is its checkout queue, which boasts a trove of last-minute adornments capable of turning an ordinary getup into an unforgettable costume.
**5. Visiting the store only once per season**
Spirit Halloween’s inventory is dynamic and ever-evolving, with new deliveries arriving weekly during the peak season. Limiting yourself to a single trip means missing out on exciting new arrivals that might perfectly complete your vision. I always encourage shoppers to return several times throughout the fall. Even better, ask a sales associate when the next shipment is expected—they are typically enthusiastic about helping fellow fans discover the freshest merchandise before it disappears from the shelves.
**6. Ignoring product information on animatronics and electronic displays**
Every year, customers purchase impressive animatronics—mechanized ghouls, shrieking witches, or life-size skeletons—only to be disappointed when the electronics malfunction after exposure to the elements. Many of these intricate props are specifically designed for covered outdoor use and cannot withstand humidity or direct rain without deteriorating. Before heading to the cash register, take a moment to read the packaging carefully. Understanding a product’s environmental limitations will save you frustration and help your decorations last far beyond a single season.
**7. Dismissing the value of email and text promotions**
It’s easy to dismiss marketing messages as digital clutter, but Spirit Halloween’s mailing list provides tangible benefits. Signing up typically yields a generous 20% discount on your next purchase, and subscribers are the first to learn about upcoming product launches, exclusive prop previews, and store openings—or even local hiring opportunities for the next season. In essence, these messages act as your insider’s guide to all things spooky and spectacular.
**8. Returning malfunctioning electronics without contacting support**
A little-known but immensely useful service offered by Spirit Halloween is its dedicated technical support team, humorously dubbed the Zombie Tech Squad. Their phone number is printed on the instruction sheets included with most props and animatronics. Before returning a faulty item, a quick call to this team can often resolve the problem remotely—saving you both time and the hassle of a store visit during the bustling pre-Halloween rush.
**9. Forgetting about post-Halloween clearance opportunities**
Many shoppers mistakenly assume that the Spirit Halloween experience ends on October 31, but some of the best deals appear in the days immediately afterward. On November 1 and 2, stores usually mark down remaining stock by 25% to 50%. During my tenure, I often witnessed new merchandise being unpacked right up until closing time on Halloween night, meaning that those who return the next morning can secure remarkable bargains on décor and costumes for future years.
Originally published on October 12, 2023, and most recently updated on October 15, 2025, this reflection serves as both a guide and a tribute to the world of Halloween retail. Whether you are an occasional celebrant or a year-round devotee like me, keeping these insights in mind can transform your shopping experience into something as smooth and delightfully eerie as the holiday itself.
Sourse: https://www.businessinsider.com/things-not-to-do-spirit-halloween-stores-from-employee
