The famous Spirit Halloween originally originated from a women’s clothing store in the Bay Area.

“Currently, there are over 1,500 Spirit Halloween stores across the United States, which have thrived even as large shopping malls have declined. This innovative retail concept, which has transformed Halloween shopping, originated from a women’s clothing store in the Bay Area.

Originally named ‘Spirit Women’s Discount Apparel,’ the store underwent a brand transformation due to a happy coincidence. Joe Marver, the owner, opened the store in the early 1980s. At that time, Castro Valley’s commercial district was not particularly busy. During a slow business period, he decided to push aside some casual pants and shirts to make room for Halloween merchandise. To his surprise, the seasonal items sold $100,000 worth of products within just 30 days.

Marver shared with the San Francisco Observer that all profits pointed toward Halloween. He had briefly experimented with a Christmas retail model but found the competition too fierce to succeed.

There were skeptics who questioned how a seasonal store that only operated for a month and a half each year could sustain an entire business. Marver’s strategy was straightforward: starting in February, many buyers would begin ordering products for October, requiring a bit of trend forecasting and a dash of luck.

By May each year, Spirit Halloween employees started scouting for vacant storefronts to propose short-term leases to landlords. This arrangement is viewed as a win-win: Halloween stores gain necessary space, while landlords earn rent while waiting for more permanent tenants. This model has helped Spirit Halloween become a successful economic venture.

However, the company has faced challenges during periods of economic prosperity, especially in the late 1990s and early 2000s. A booming U.S. economy back then pushed Spirit Halloween out of the market. Marver noted in an interview with the Oakland Forum that landlords preferred waiting for long-term tenants rather than renting to a seasonal Halloween store.

While a Spirit Halloween spokesperson declined to comment on how the company secures retail spaces, it is evident that as major shopping malls decline, Spirit Halloween stores are thriving. This year, the company is set to open the largest number of stores in its history. Back in 1993, there were only 10 locations in the Bay Area; now, there are 1,525 locations across the country, and the company has opened 50,000 seasonal positions to fill store staffing needs.

Sadly, the original Spirit Halloween has long since disappeared. The store that once stood on Santa Maria Avenue has closed, with Marver selling it to Spencer’s Gifts in 1999.”